What grade of fuel do you run?

sacfisher · 03-23-2006, 08:51 AM

What grade of fuel do you run in your outboard or inboard engines? I have recently been told to go with the mid-grade fuel to preserve the engines on my boat. Just wanting some opinions.
Matt

pugetplunker · 03-23-2006, 09:00 AM

go with what the mfg recomandations.and a fuel filter to keep the water and crapola out

Chrome Bumper · 03-23-2006, 09:15 AM

I use mid-range. My motors seem to run better with it. Manufacturer says regular is OK. If you troll alot and run WOT the cheap stuff might be rough on your motor. (IMHO)

HntnFsh · 03-23-2006, 09:59 AM

I ran premium for quite awhile.Then saw the recomendation in the owners manual, and some posts on here.Dropped down to regular.I can see no difference at all in my 175 sport jet.

Well except in the pocket book.

hot wire · 03-23-2006, 10:02 AM

I just run super. What the heck.

Starfish · 03-23-2006, 12:07 PM

The only thing premium grade does is prevent detonation if your motor has very high compression. It actually is more difficult to ignite. (Higher octane = less volatile.) If your manufacturer recommends regular unleaded then it's a waste of money to burn premium or midgrade. However, don't skimp on quality of the gas. I like Chevron regular to ensure you get the best detergents/additives possible.

zipper · 03-23-2006, 12:15 PM

My old 2stroke, I'd run premium about every 3rd fill - figuring mixing with the older gas had to be good... my new 4 stroke - book says run 87 octane, I run 87. No problems whatsoever. zip

ICHTHYDEMON · 03-23-2006, 12:36 PM

According to the manuals for my Yamaha F150 and T8, 86 is all thats needed. Since 87 is the least octane found around here its what I use.

Tacklebuster · 03-23-2006, 12:52 PM

When I had my 4.3 Vortec inboard, I had to run premium. It was a carborated motor and if you ran anything less than premium, it would want to diesel on you when you turned it off. When I sold the boat, I told the new owner to use premium and not the cheap stuff. He used the cheap stuff and one day the motor sucked up to much water and died

On my Yami's, I just run the 87. The most important thing is to buy quality fuel from a quality station. Shell and Texaco get my money. Stay away from the boat dock gas and the Arco's or you will be sorry

Orca · 03-23-2006, 01:42 PM

Starfish has the right answer. If you're pinging, retard your timing or move up to a higher octane. That $0.20 premium doesn't get you better gas, better mileage, bigger fish or more girlfriends. But sure, if your engine spec says to run premium, then spend the money, other-wise you are just throwing it away.

Catching Nemo · 03-24-2006, 07:09 AM

Quote:

The only thing premium grade does is prevent detonation if your motor has very high compression. It actually is more difficult to ignite. (Higher octane = less volatile.) If your manufacturer recommends regular unleaded then it's a waste of money to burn premium or midgrade. However, don't skimp on quality of the gas. I like Chevron regular to ensure you get the best detergents/additives possible.

+1 Chevron

Chrome Bumper · 03-24-2006, 07:41 AM

89 octane makes a prettier sound in my engines.

fergy61 · 03-24-2006, 07:41 PM

My 175 sj runs great on regular. I do use good brands of fuel too.

ET · 03-25-2006, 08:54 PM

Total waste of money to run anything but 87 on 2-strokes.

A few 4-strokes ask for 89. Very few ask for 91.

If you run more expensive fuel than recommended, you are just ignorant. Basic chemistry man....

On the latest car engines...running super can actually do more harm than good.

Don't try to overthink a million engineers. The wheel is round for a reason!!!!