Marine or Regular Sta-Bil

I have been using Sta-Bil in my boats for years, especially since the gasoline went with the alcohol. I didn't know that Sta-Bil has a" Marine grade" . Anyone have an opinion on this or are both products about the same, cept for the $$?
I don't mind paying a little extra for prevention if it would make a difference.

The marine Sta Bil is for use in ethanol based gasoline engines. The regular Sta Bil is for use with straight gas engines. Marine Sta Bik is green, regular Sta Bil is pink/red.

I have found it very hard to find gasoline without the ethanol added. I thought the "regular" red Sta-Bil was to decrease the effects from the alcohol additive in the fuel, just like the "marine" Sta-Bil does.
I want to know the stance our CCF's have on using these products every time we fill our tanks with gas for our trips to the lake.

I agree. I just use Sta Bil in the winter for storage 3-4 months max. I also only use non ethanol 90 octane gasoline. No fuel issues, ever. If I couldn't get ethanol free fuel I'd take up another hobby. Such as reap airing small engines damaged by crappy fuel containing ethanol.

I don't use Sta-bil but do use ethanol and have never had a problem.

Well I ski tournaments from April to October and snow ski dec to march so it would have to need minor input as I'm kind of busy with hobby situation. Findinding ethanol free fuel here in the south is no problem. PCM actually recommends ethanol free fuel and they do manufacture every engine used in Nautiques for many years. Do you think PCM (now Nautique) is getting a kickback from non ethanol providers to suggest their customers in writing to avoid ethanol fuels. The Midwest seems to be adamant about corn fuel. Down here we make moonshine out of it!

DVskier wrote: PCM actually recommends ethanol free fuel !

Really? Maybe it's time for you to do some better research or work on the other hobbies?


What is PCM’s policy on the use of Ethanol?
The implementation of ethanol-based fuel is spreading rapidly throughout the United States . The end user of our engines might well be concerned regarding the use of this fuel. As such, Pleasurecraft Marine Engines provides the following policy statement regarding the use of this fuel.
This notification addresses the use of ethanol fuels IN PCM ENGINES ONLY. It does not address the use of ethanol fuels in vessel related components such as boat gas tanks, boat fuel lines, boat fuel filters, etc. The boat owner is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to contact the boat builder regarding the suitability of
ethanol fuel usage in their vessel.
Ethanol blended fuel rated E10 or less is acceptable to use.
Check it out yourself.

Pete, we all have opinions, some may disagree with yours. That's not a proble. But you are the guy who says "keep it original". In the beginning when I went to the gas station with my dad in NC there was only regular and high test, they also had white gas that my dad alwYs bought for the lawn mower. This whole ethanol crap started with Jimmy Carter, a one term president who led us to gas shortages and 55 mph speed limits. Don't know of many Jimmy Carter fans down here.

I was pulling your chain on the moonshine Gary, I never touch that stuff. I have a 2018 Yamaha VMAX 115 for my pontoon. Fuel injected and cranks right up, That and my 2004 Ski Nautique owned since new with a PCM 330 hp engine only run straight gas.

I have Stihl power tools that are recommended by Sithl to run straight gas only. So far I haven't had to come on here or any other site for troubleshooting advice. I sincerely believe that maybe the manufacturers are spot on with recommending straight gas. My ski club has a 2013 SN 200 with a 409 hp 6L PCM power plant. Again in the manual PCM recommends straight gas.

I do use ethanol fuel in my 2016 Subaru Outback and 2015 Acura TLX V-6. No issues with either. I believe in high volume applications the manufacturers do whatever the federal go vernment mandates. However small engine, marine and aircraft engines thankfully are ethanol free.

You really can't win an argument with me by going against the manufacturers.recommendation . By the way I'm pretty sure my Boxer engine would run on cat piss, it runs on CO gas for 4 months every year although I refuse to run 85 octane and run 87 instead.

So we can agree to disagree on fuels. I still don't know what white gas is.

Ha. I've been going to Tahoe for 55 years. Had my own boat in that lake 1 day. Woke up the next morning with 2 inches of snow on the cover, and brought her home.

BKH

In my 2004 PCM engine manual on page 25 it states: Gasoline containing alcohol
Gasoline containing alcohol, either ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or methanol (methyl alcohol) is not recommended for use in your engine. Gasoline containing alcohol will attract and hold moisture and may cause the following:
Hard starting and operating difficulties (vapor lock, low speed stalling)
Corrosion of metal parts
Excessive wear and damage to internal engine parts.
Fuel permeation through fexible fuel lines.
Deterioration of some non metallic materials.

The adverse effects of alcohol are more severe with methanol and are worse with increasing alcohol content.

If gasoline containing alcohol is used,or if the presence of alcohol is uncertain, more frequent inspections of the complete fuel system are required. Any sign of fuel leakage or deterioration must be repaired immediately before further engine operation.

This information was thoroughly read by me and I heed that information.

I get it Gary. Everyone has a different situation. When I was in the Navy they stressed, "Use the proper tool for the job at all times". That's probably why I am so adamant about fuel. Our ski clubs rules specify that members supply non ethanol fuel only for the club boat, a 6L SN 200. Skis great on a small farm lake, very short 8 ball setup. Maybe 1400 feet long, start at 90 degrees at each end, course record is 2@41 off, 36 mph. My cach ran it there last year. I won't stop slalom skiing, just bought a new Rada Senate Pro. Trying it out tomorrow.