Ethanol Free Gas?

[sailingharry]

I've just bought a house in Lusby, and will be moving down from the Annapolis area. I like to use ethanol free gas on small engines (mower, weed whacker, outboard, etc) because the ethanol is brutal on those carburetors, especially when they aren't used often and the gas (in the engine, or in the tank in the garage) has time to go bad. In Annapolis, there is a marina that sells it at a bit over $5/gallon, which is a pretty good deal.

Are there any sources in Southern Maryland for ethanol free gas?

Thanks,

Harry

 

[PrchJrkr]

If you need high octane then get the avgas at the airport, I believe it’s 100 octane. The odd thing about avgas is that it’s still leaded.

Hopefully I don't have to get that drastic. I might melt the old girl's pistons. I just noticed that it kind of went flat and didn't sound like it was winding out. It hit a wall and more throttle made it stumble. Maybe I need to try a different pitch prop. I really need to hook a tach up and see what I'm actually turning. My "ear tach" ain't what it used to be.

 

[Gilligan]

Thanks! I had a little stumble on the top end with my old Suzuki DT75 the last time I ran it. I'm pretty sure I had 87 in it. I'll swing by and get some from Ridgell's and see if it doesn't clear up.

Two stroke? The lower octane fuel burns better in the older 2-strokes. I've seen higher octane fuel create problems with idling behavior. Top end issues are almost always a fuel delivery problem....as you'd probably know.

 

[willie]

What is the current price for avgas?

 

[PrchJrkr]

Two stroke? The lower octane fuel burns better in the older 2-strokes. I've seen higher octane fuel create problems with idling behavior. Top end issues are almost always a fuel delivery problem....as you'd probably know.

I'm by no means an outboard expert. Back when I first acquired this beast, I seem to remember outboards of that era having a sticker stating "Minimum Octane Rating 89". I've recently had to put a longer idle stop screw on the carbs because it was idling too low and would die when put into gear.

I also re-hosed it with the proper sized fuel hose and got rid of anything that could restrict the flow. We shall see...

 

[Gilligan]

I'm by no means an outboard expert. Back when I first acquired this beast, I seem to remember outboards of that era having a sticker stating "Minimum Octane Rating 89". I've recently had to put a longer idle stop screw on the carbs because it was idling too low and would die when put into gear.

I also re-hosed it with the proper sized fuel hose and got rid of anything that could restrict the flow. We shall see...

The old cross-flow engines were pushed to higher and higher compression ratios..hence the 89 recommendation. Of course the highest output ones idled like poo accordingly. The loopers, especially the last ones, prefer the lower 87-89 octane and using 93 etc makes them unhappy.

 

[LightRoasted]

If I may ...

If you need high octane then get the avgas at the airport, I believe it’s 100 octane. The odd thing about avgas is that it’s still leaded.

Some very interesting history on that subject. TLDW ... Corporations putting profit over people.

 

[Gilligan]

If I may ...


Some very interesting history on that subject. TLDW ... Corporations putting profit over people.

The range of copper- and lead-based compounds that we used in solid rocket fuel formulations was rather large. We called them "burn rate modifiers"...but they were simply additives to the gasoline industry.

 

[PrchJrkr]

The old cross-flow engines were pushed to higher and higher compression ratios..hence the 89 recommendation. Of course the highest output ones idled like poo accordingly. The loopers, especially the last ones, prefer the lower 87-89 octane and using 93 etc makes them unhappy.

I've done some digging and ended up down a deep, dark rabbit hole. Anyway, I believe my 88 Suzuki is a looper and I'm going to try some 87 non-e along with my unrestricted fuel lines and rebuilt fuel pump and see what's what. At the rate I'm going, It should be ready for July 4th.

I'm really itching to try out the new Minn Kota 36v 112lb Ulterra. It was the top of the line for 2021. A little tall and overpowered for my center console, but the autopilot, GPS memory, and spot lock are going to be the ticket to refill the freezer. I may not even have to run the Suzuki.

Now I need to research the OMC v4s I've acquired. Now where did I leave that rabbit hole?

 

[LightRoasted]

If I may ...

I've done some digging and ended up down a deep, dark rabbit hole. Anyway, I believe my 88 Suzuki is a looper and I'm going to try some 87 non-e along with my unrestricted fuel lines and rebuilt fuel pump and see what's what. At the rate I'm going, It should be ready for July 4th.

I'm really itching to try out the new Minn Kota 36v 112lb Ulterra. It's the top of the line for 2021. A little tall and overpowered for my center console, but the autopilot, GPS memory, and spot lock are going to be the ticket to refill the freezer. I may not even have to run the Suzuki.

Now I need to research the OMC v4s I've acquired. Now where did I leave that rabbit hole?

Could be your reed valves have gotten a bit weak or worn away since 1988. Those are the things that assist, (high frequency vibrating as the air/fuel mixture passes through), in vaporizing the fuel before it enters the cylinder.
Numbers 10 and 11 here, you'd need three sets of each ...

INLET CASE - EXHAUST COVER - 1988 Two-Stroke Outboard 75 DT75 | Crowley Marine

View parts diagrams and shop online for INLET CASE - EXHAUST COVER parts, 1988 Two-Stroke Outboard 75 DT75. Offering discount prices on OEM parts for over 50 years. FAST $4.95 shipping available.

www.crowleymarine.com

 

[PrchJrkr]

If I may ...


Could be your reed valves have gotten a bit weak or worn away since 1988. Those are the things that assist, (high frequency vibrating as the air/fuel mixture passes through), in vaporizing the fuel before it enters the cylinder.
Numbers 10 and 11 here, you'd need three sets of each ...

INLET CASE - EXHAUST COVER - 1988 Two-Stroke Outboard 75 DT75 | Crowley Marine

View parts diagrams and shop online for INLET CASE - EXHAUST COVER parts, 1988 Two-Stroke Outboard 75 DT75. Offering discount prices on OEM parts for over 50 years. FAST $4.95 shipping available.

www.crowleymarine.com

Thanks, but this motor probably has less than a couple hundred hours on it. When I got it, it was only a few years old and in a basket. The previous owner had bent the prop shaft and couldn't figure out how to drop the lower unit (early internet days) and gave up. I've put less than 5 hours on it myself.

Most of the the oil injection system was missing, so I did away with it completely and mixed my own. It smokes a bit at idle, but it's well lubricated. I just have to carry a spare set of plugs. I believe new lines and a fuel pump rebuild will go a long way to getting a good top end. I've had it go over 40mph before. The last time I ran it, I think 36 was top speed and then it started missing.

 

[Sneakers]

Ok.... this is so simple it's stupid. And surprised none of us have seen any of these videos or mentioned this. I won't link the videos I found because the presenters are hacks, but the science is sound. Just search YouTube for "how to remove alcohol from gas".

You can remove the alcohol from E-10/E-15 at home, easily, for small quantities like a gallon or so.

A glass or see-thru container is best so you can see the fuel and water. Yes, water. Let's assume a clear liter soda container. Add a few ounces of clean water to the container, then pour in your E-10/E-15. Shake/stir well. Let stand until the water has accumulated on the bottom and the gas is crystal clear, a couple of hours to overnight. Siphon off the now alcohol-free fuel thru a particulate filter into a clean fuel container.

Alcohol has an incredible affinity for water, and will pull out of the gas to mix with the water.

You'll also need to start with slightly higher octane fuel. After removing the alcohol, the octane rating will be a bit lower.

 

[PrchJrkr]

Ok.... this is so simple it's stupid. And surprised none of us have seen any of these videos or mentioned this. I won't link the videos I found because the presenters are hacks, but the science is sound. Just search YouTube for "how to remove alcohol from gas".

You can remove the alcohol from E-10/E-15 at home, easily, for small quantities like a gallon or so.

A glass or see-thru container is best so you can see the fuel and water. Yes, water. Let's assume a clear liter soda container. Add a few ounces of clean water to the container, then pour in your E-10/E-15. Shake/stir well. Let stand until the water has accumulated on the bottom and the gas is crystal clear, a couple of hours to overnight. Siphon off the now alcohol-free fuel thru a particulate filter into a clean fuel container.

Alcohol has an incredible affinity for water, and will pull out of the gas to mix with the water.

You'll also need to start with slightly higher octane fuel. After removing the alcohol, the octane rating will be a bit lower.

Phase separation. Very costly to pump out and filter large amounts, but we're left with fuel for the yard equipment around the shop.

 

[Sneakers]

Phase separation. Very costly to pump out and filter large amounts, but we're left with fuel for the yard equipment around the shop.

I can see it being logistically awkward to do large volumes. That's why I suggested a gallon or so. That much is easy to do with no real hardware or storage needed.

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

The Shell FastStop in Dunkirk has it. I don't know the price. If you shop at Giant you'll get cents off points there (I usually keep about $0.90 off loaded up).

 

[PrchJrkr]

I can see it being logistically awkward to do large volumes. That's why I suggested a gallon or so. That much is easy to do with no real hardware or storage needed.

We've got a pretty neat rig with duel water separators and it's all automated once you insert a siphon and flip the switch. I can see doing this on a small scale at home in a pinch, but I generally keep 18 gallons of non-E on hand for the gen.

Edit: I was stating that it's costly to our customers in my last post.

 

[1stGenSMIB]

I did that phase separation experiment in my boat's gas tank..no utube needed! it happened all by itself when the fuel fill leaked and let rain water in.
When there was nothing but water in the Racor I realized I needed to empty the tank.

 

[glhs837]

You might want to clarify that you are speaking about northern St. Mary's or he may end up messing with @TPD down south.