Ethanol related issues

[BassmasterB]

Curious to know if anyone else is having problems with their fuel jelling up. My merc cruiser has been running terrible all year, for the first 10-15 minutes after starting it runs great after that it sputters like crazy. Bash1

[Sledneck]

Be sure to change your filters and separators, the ethanol destroys them, I replaced mine twice this year so far w/ no issues. Also, if you have a fiberglass gas tank the ethanol eats away at is causing some serious problems. You can probably avoid serious engine damage be replaceing all fuel/line filters more often.

[BassmasterB]

Thanks for your input Sled, I have installed an inline water seperater (oil filter type) have also checked the filter going into the carb (very clean) I tried removing that filter thinking the filter was too fine and the jel was backing up there...not....Still racking my head....Not having any problems with my 35 hp merc on the Bass Tracker.

[Sledneck]

Bass, the filters will still appear clean even tho they can be gummed up with tank/fuel line lining. It may be worth a shot to change them just to see if it remedies the problems. Is your tank fiberglass??

[BassmasterB]

Thanks again sled, I'll take your advice and change out the filters, as far as the gas tank goes I.m not sure if it is fiberglass or not.

[Sledneck]

your welcome bass, i have read that ethanol can eat away at fiberglass which may result in gumming up your fuel system, but I haven't experienced it first hand...good luck.