Merc outboard fuel question?
 

Here is my question. All Merc outboards say to run 89 octane with upto 10% ethenol except for the motor i have, the 300xs. It says 91 octane non ethonal. My question is, is it it ok to to occasionally run fuel with ethenol ? because sometimes it's just not easy to get the non ethenol fuel. Not to mention the price difference. Super at the station down the street is arount $3.80 and non ethonal wich is 40 minutes away is $4.87. Please don't jump on my calling me cheap, I don't mind paying the higher price if it really makes a difference. Thanks for your input.

Hugetime1.....I have pro max's that require 91 but I don't see any requirement for ethanol free....that must be an xs requirement.....unfortunately, after going thru one power head, I don't vary much from the manuf. recommendations....it ends up costing more to replace than the fuel difference. Where do u run on lg?

Due to other issues with ethenol and other engine components I only run ethenol free. I agree the specs say 91 and you cannot find 93 much. I have been running a product called ACES IV additive with the 90 for four years with no issues. ACES has been tested by a lot engine builders and works. Jay Smith/DBR and Hydratech all agree that it works too.

They run fine with E10 fuel. It's just about impossible to find ethanol-free fuel in many areas of the country at this point, including the northeast.

They will run on gas with ethenol. They run better on 100% . I have learned that the ethenol may deteriorate some of the seals and o-rings overtime causing other unwanted issues. I now use only 100% gas.

I run a pair of 300xs's. Though I try to only use non ethenol fuel, sometimes it can't be avoided. In those cases I always add a fuel stabilizer. Most recently I started using Star Tron. No issues so far and when running "fingers crossed" going on 4 yrs now.

Dude, money is money. If you or I can save a buck thats more fuel for next weekend. Ethanol free is $4.00.30 on the water.I can pull into to town, 10 miles round trip) and save almost 100 dollars. With my old 1998 Promaxes I have had no fuel or other issues with 10% for three years. I'm sure the power was down with the 10% as Brad stated. I just make sure I come in empty which has never been a problem.LOL