Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Interesting read here. I'll share my two cents from my perspective of working for two different marinas. I'm not looking to argue this one, but my experience is, alcohol in gas is absolutely the culprit that causes problems for the newer 2 strokes.
Both marinas I've worked for, the only gas they recommended to their customers is premium. Reason being, no alcohol. They also said if you can find the rare station that still has regular that is ethonal free, then use it, but those stations are far and few between from what I've seen. Fleet Farm still carries regular that is ethonal free.
I saw two different brands of 2 strokes and one fourstroke just this past week at work that was in due to the use of regular. We actually dumped out about 2 tablespoons of a watery blend of water/alcohol and whatever else from the fuel filter of one engine. So, saying that has nothing to do with harming an engines life is false in my opinion. All three motors were less than two years old, so it doesn't take long to clog up a fuel filter on an engine that has been running regular with ethanol.
When I had one of my Optimax's in for an oil change a few years ago, they told me to avoid regular if at possible, it had already been collecting in the fuel filter. That was with less than a seasons use on it.
Point being, I avoid regular with ethanol as much as possible. Yes, you can use it, and if taken care of properly, it's fine. If there is a preventive measure like premium or going to a station two miles away further, I go. Just my personal take from what I've seen and heard from some very good mechanics!
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