Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Glog,
Lots of assumptions in your post.... ethanol being bad for an engine is a total myth, but will be argued to our graves. The older engines need to have fuel lines replaced, then they are good to go, and will have no issues with ethanol blended fuels at the current level they are blended.
Also, where has it ever been stated that ethanol is only good for 30 days? Never have seen that one before... It draws water a little faster than non ethanol...and will break down just like non ethanol over time as well. Could it break down faster than nonethanol blends? Maybe...but if the gas is used efficiently (as we should be doing with any form of gas) the breakdown will not occur since it is used before deterioration is a potential issue. Storage of fuel over a long period of time is another story, though... Most people here get that and understand it completely.
Also, assuming people have no clue as to what they are doing with carbs is a real stretch...pretty much paints everyone as stupid which is not the case on this site. Most are pretty humble about it if they are not all that familiar with wrenching..others are very adept and humble at the same time, and the sharing of knowledge is excellent and done in a positive manner.
It would also help that you name the plug brand correctly as NGK which are the standard brand of plug for mercury and Yamaha engine if memory serves me correctly. The lack of seeing these types of things does not add to credibility, so be careful of what you write...make sure it is correct.
Finally, I think it is quite safe to admit that a thorough cleaning a carb takes more than a bottle of cleaner and a screwdriver...most people know it takes an entire kit if one does a tear down given the carb or carbs need that level of service. That didn't need to be stated and pretty much I felt that made an assumption about my knowledge...and you know absolutely nothing about me or my abilities. My statement was about the potential need for a quick fuel-air mixture adjustment, which in many cases on a carbed engine is all it takes to smooth out a rough idle, a sputter upon throttle up, etc. Doesn't take much for that mixture to be off by just a touch, and all it takes is one carb to do it, which may mean a quick adjustment with the correct equipment to ensure all cylinders are getting the ratio of fuel and air they need, which may or may not require a mechanic with the correct equipment to test the mixtures.
In closing, it is better to not assume anything about anyone here...they will let you have it...some will be very blunt about it too... I certainly can get to be that way sometimes and it may even seem that way here...
Steve |
