Fuel additive for 2 strokes

[MrSkeeter]

I have a Merc 175EFI motor that runs really nice. But over the past weekend, I noticed that it stumbled a bit at low-mid idle <1k RPM. Almost sounded like it was missing or something. Then when I was running, I was not really getting all the RPMs I had previously got. Was missing something like 1-200RPMs at WOT.

Called the mechanic that have been servicing my boat. He said he was quite certain that it was a fuel problem. That it sounded like I had some condensation and water in the fuel. I'll have to check the fuel filter and drain it before going out again.

But the question to the group is what do I do with the redisual fuel in the tank (there's not much fuel, maybe 10 gal??) I'll top off before heading out again. But is there any fuel additive I can put in to help with the condensation/water in the fuel problem?

[Bill K]

Chris.. Both Merc and OMC have a additive that you put on the fuel, which will help clean the engine/carbon and condensation. Merc has a product Kwic clean(ask you merc mechanic) which do what you want. Bill K

[ash]

I do my best to fill up what I will use the day out on the water. If I do have residual fuel in my tanks for longer then 1 week I add Stabil in the tanks. Stabil helps prevent water from seperating in the fuel, ethanol gas is problomatic this way. Also once a month a run a can of sea foam in my gas to help prevent carbon build up.

I know that OMC, Merc and Yamaha also toat thier own line of cleaners that does the same thing.

Also too when was the last time your fuel filter was changed?

[bustout]

may not be water.....add a water/fuel seperater filter.

if not, it could be carbon build-up and fouled plugs. my merc mechanic recommened yamaha ring free product. merc may now have a similar product

works great...i get the symptom at least once a year and add the ring free....takes care of the issue

i run a 200 merc efi

[MrSkeeter]

Bustout,

Is Ring Free a fuel additive or is it a spray that you spray into the head??


SOCB_Hawghunter,

Where does one get that Sea Foam from??

Thanks for all the inputs.

[Ken C.]

"RingFree" is the Yamaha brand fuel additive which I have been told is virtually the same product as the Mercury branded "Quikleen". Both of these are formulated to prevent carbon from building up inside the engine - esp. behind the piston rings.

"Sea-Foam" is a similar product that has apparently been around for years and is available at most auto parts stores such as Kragen, Autozone, PepBoys, etc. Way less expensive than either Ring Free or Quikleen, but I have not used it. I've actually been running the Quikleen product in my Yamaha.

Neither product (to my knowledge) is similar to "Sta-Bil" which is a fuel stabilizer/preservative that is supposed to prevent fuel from breaking down and perhaps even absorbing water from the air.

With the elimination of MTBE from gasoline, the makers are now going with ethanol as an oxygenator. Ethanol has a tendency to attract (absorb) water therefore at least Mercury and Yamaha are recommending the installation of an external fuel/water separator filter. I just bought one for my HPDI - I think it was $45 at C & C.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I add a product called Carbon Free to the gas tank everytime I fill up. I get it from West Marine. They use to give me a case price for the stuff. It was a 35% discount which was nice because the stuff is about $10 a 12 oz bottle. You add 1oz per 5 gal of gas.
I don't know what happen at West Marine but they will no longer give me the discount and the 3 people I spoke to were on the rude side, so I'll be spending my money elsewhere, even if it costs more.
I'm not big on additives at all, but to many people recommended something.

[Ken C.]

Mike, the Quikleen is $9/12oz. at C&C. Mixed 1 oz/6 gallons. They also have Ring Free which is $13/12oz. but is mixed 1 oz to 10 gals so its about the same.

The "Sea-Foam" product I think is $8 a pint at Autozone. I don't know the mixing ratio for that. I run the "name brand" stuff just in case I end up with a warranty issue!

[MIKE TREMONT]

Thanks Ken, I've got one bottle left and then I 'm off to C&C.

I've already spoke to Mike and he knows I'm coming.

Quality People= Quality Shop!

[CORAL 96]

Seafoam works GREAT!! I use it in all of my vehicles. It's usually $5.99 per can at places like Napa or Pep-Boys. Sometimes you can get lucky at Napa and get it for $3.99 a can. That's when you stock-up. The plus with Sea-Foam is it doubles as a fuel stabilizer in case you don't run often. I run a couple of cans about every 3k in my 1999 Suburban. Keeps the injectors clean!!

[PF3352]

Mike you have a PM