Fuelish' boat maintenance can be costly With boating season in full swing on Grand Lake, boaters need to be aware of proper maintenance practices to keep their boats in good working condition and safe. Improper storage of fuel can lead to carburetor and other problems that easily could be prevented in outboard motors. Once shellac crystals form and enter the carburetor, gumming problems result, which can lead to costly carburetor repairs. Various factors influence the length of time that fuel can be stored. Tests have shown that cheap, pre-mixed fuel begins to deteriorate within two weeks.
Deterioration is slower if fuel tanks are stored completely full.
If you top off your tanks when you're at the marina or on the way home, you'll not only protect your boat, you'll have one less stop to make next time you're heading to the lake. Also, purchase the highest octane available and stick with quality brands. Adding a fuel conditioner will stabilize gas and prevent shellac from developing over a longer period. It helps to keep carburetors clean and prevents icing in gas lines and carburetors. This fuel conditioner can be used in stern drive or outboard boats.