Fuel Stabilizers and Fogging

[feeez]

In past yearsI have used Seafoam as my fuel stabilizer. It was recommended to me by one of my marina mates where I kept our last boat. I have just carried on with it since we bought the Carver. I add the appropriate amount in the fuel and go for a last run to let it work through the system. I have never had any issues with either of the boats but I always like to question things to make sure I am doing it right.

Both of my boats have been fuel injected and I have not included any kind of fogging in my winterizing process. I would like to get some feedback on this and where in winterizing process it should be done, before flushing the engines, after, during??? Also what do you all use. I read about the mixing up of a cocktail of gas, stabilizer, and 2 cycle engine oil.

Thanks in advance
Fraser

[mjk1040]

Fraser; SeaFoam is recommended by my main mechanic, and I too put it in every time I fuel up. As far as fogging, he also says it's not needed unless you are going to lay it up for way more than six months. I also make sure my tanks are as full as possible when I put it up for winter here in NY. We are able to get non ethanol fuel here. Mike

[Viper]

SeaFoam is a good product. I'm not particularly picky about which one of the well known brands get used.

I too never fog in the true sense, used to about 30 years ago but don't feel it necessary with today's lubricants for the amount of time we're laid up. If there's a planned extended lay up, that's a different story. The cocktail in a portable fuel tank is great in theory but when you have 300-1000 boats to do in a short window before things freeze up, this hook up can be costly time wise. It's fine if you're just doing your own boat but impractical for large quantities. I change fuel filters at winterizing and that's what I pour my mix into. It's enough for the amount of run time needed to run antifreeze through the engine. Not exactly the true fogging method but I'm not worried about that anyway.

Side note; if you've got a catalyst engine, careful how you fog and the product you use or you'll be paying a hefty bill to replace the cartridges, they are very expensive.