Real gasoline, E-10, Water separator, Star-Tron?

Airwaves · 08-23-2007, 06:29 PM

My question involves all 4!

Quick background. When I launched my "southern" boat (Mass) this year I discovered that despite my best efforts, E-10 attracted enough water to make my engine nearly inoperable. (1990, 115 HP Mercury Outboard) I added Star-Tron to the full tank of gas and it allowed the engine to run although the power was significantly reduced.

Yes the engine was tuned and adjusted this spring, etc. I was told that adding a water separator to the fuel system would deal with the problem of water in the tank that is attracted by E-10.

There you have it. Now, a couple of questions for folks who have already done this.

I installed a water separator between the fuel tank and the engine today, what can I realistically expect the separator to do? Will it make it seem that I have 100% real gasoline or are my expectations too high?

I have been told not to "mix" real gas with E-10, is that a recomendation aimed at folks who exclusively use real gas, like at Winnipesaukee, or is there another issue at work here?

I was told when I bought the water separator kit that if I put an additive like Star-Tron into my fuel I should change the separator filter after the fuel with the Star-Tron has been used, but no one has told me why.

I am set to hook up my system tomorrow. I want to replace the fuel line from the tank to the separator and engine. Then I will refuel the boat.

Here's hoping!

08-23-2007, 06:29 PM	#1
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	My question involves all 4! Quick background. When I launched my "southern" boat (Mass) this year I discovered that despite my best efforts, E-10 attracted enough water to make my engine nearly inoperable. (1990, 115 HP Mercury Outboard) I added Star-Tron to the full tank of gas and it allowed the engine to run although the power was significantly reduced. Yes the engine was tuned and adjusted this spring, etc. I was told that adding a water separator to the fuel system would deal with the problem of water in the tank that is attracted by E-10. There you have it. Now, a couple of questions for folks who have already done this. I installed a water separator between the fuel tank and the engine today, what can I realistically expect the separator to do? Will it make it seem that I have 100% real gasoline or are my expectations too high? I have been told not to "mix" real gas with E-10, is that a recomendation aimed at folks who exclusively use real gas, like at Winnipesaukee, or is there another issue at work here? I was told when I bought the water separator kit that if I put an additive like Star-Tron into my fuel I should change the separator filter after the fuel with the Star-Tron has been used, but no one has told me why. I am set to hook up my system tomorrow. I want to replace the fuel line from the tank to the separator and engine. Then I will refuel the boat. Here's hoping!