Service FAQs

Ethanol Warning

Boaters are now faced with a new problem-ethanol fuel. For years, gasoline contained MTBE, and additive which controls the fuel's octane properties. The additive is being phased out, and now much of the nation's fuel supply is a blend of 10% Ethanol and 90% gasoline, commonly referred to as E- 10.

Ethanol presents several problems to boaters. The immediate impact of the formulation is a loss of horsepower and fuel economy. Early indications show drops of three to five percent in both categories. The loss of range sounds small, but adds up on boats that are often already stretched to the limit in terms of fuel needs. Additionally, ethanol is a very effective solvent, and has a tendency to dissolve old coatings of varnish and dirt in existing fuel systems. This can lead to plugged fuel filters, damaged injectors or fuels pumps and other mechanical problems.

The added amounts of particles associated with ethanol fuel may warrant upgrading filter systems. Many engineers are now recommending that boats using ethanol fuel need to use ten micron filters. Pre E-10 systems will likely be using twenty-eight micron filters. Manufacturers, such as Yamaha, have been quick to respond to ethanol fuel use by introducing replacement ten micron filters.

The corrosive nature of ethanol can affect fuel lines and other components, causing them to crack and fail. Many older boats will require replacement of all fuel hoses and, possibly, other system components. Especially affected are boats equipped with fiberglass tanks. Many older vessels must have the fiberglass tanks replaced prior to using E-10 fuels, or face certain engine failures. Please let us here at Hanckel Marine inspect your tank, and replace it for you if needed. We have tank resources available.

Water in E-10 fuel is another problem that boaters must deal with. The introduction of water on E-10 fuel can be disastrous. E-10 can hold up to four teaspoons of water in suspension per gallon. Once this saturation point is exceeded, the solution separates and the gas floats on top while the ethanol and water mix on the bottom. This event is called "phase separation." Ethanol fuel can absorb enough water to reach its phase separation point in just over three months at 70% humidity. This water that is in the fuel system is what causes the motor to run poorly.

While the phase separation slurry in itself can cause problems by clogging fuel systems, the more immediate problem is that the remaining gasoline has now lost its original octane value which can cause poor running and, in some cases, engine damage. When phase separation occurs, the fuel should be drained and replaced. Our service department has the capability of pumping and disposing of any old fuel in your tank.

Fuel storage and winterization has to be handled differently when using E-10 fuels. Manufacturers are warning that fuels need to be stabilized if unused for as little as two weeks. Not all stabilizer additives are a must for ethanol fuels.

Hanckel Marine recommends and carries Star Tron fuel treatment. Once tanks are cleaned of any old fuel and components are upgraded, fill your tank completely with fuel and add Star Tron fuel treatment.

Cooling System

Yamaha recommends changing water pumps every 2 years or 200 hours in salt water. For the guys in flats boats fishing in sandy conditions we recommend changing water pump every year. Yamaha also recommends changing thermostats in engines every 2 years in salt water conditions.

20 Hour Service

• Check ecu for codes
• Check ecu for hours
• Start outboard ensure proper operation
• Check cooling system
• Check for water, fuel, oil, & gear lube leaks
• Check/adjust throttle, shift cables
• Check/adjust idle
• Inspect fuel system
• Inspect ignition & electrical system
• Check battery condition
• Change water separating fuel filter
• Change oil & oil filter
• Check/change gear lube for lower gear casing
• Check/grease propeller shaft splines
• Grease all fittings & grease points
• Check/fill power trim fluid
• Retorque all cover plate bolts
• Check/change spark plugs
• Check timing belt tension
• Inspect/adjust top cowling latch
• Apply corrosion protection spray to powerhead

Annual 100 Hour Service

• Check ecu for codes
• Check ecu for hours
• Compression test; 1__200__,2__202__,3__200__,4__203__
• Start outboard ensure proper operation
• Check cooling system
• Check/adjust throttle, shift cables
• Check/adjust idle
• Inspect fuel system
• Inspect ignition & electrical system
• Check battery condition
• Change oil & oil filter
• Change water separating fuel filter
• Check/clean/change all engine filters
• Change gear lube for lower gear casing
• Check/grease propeller shaft splines
• Grease all fittings & grease points. Check/fill power trim fluid
• Retorque all cover plate bolts
• Change spark plugs
• Check timing belt tension
• Check/change anodes
• Inspect/adjust top cowling latch
• Apply corrosion protection spray powerhead