As a boat owner, the thought of your vessel not starting can be quite unnerving. There are numerous reasons why a boat may fail to start, and one of them is outdated gasoline. Yes, you read that right – the fuel that you’ve been keeping in your boat’s fuel tank for a long time could be the culprit behind your boat’s starting problem.
Over time, gasoline can go bad. This happens when the hydrocarbons in the fuel begin to break down and oxidize, causing the fuel to lose its effectiveness. This is especially true for ethanol-blended gasoline, which is popularly used in many boats. Ethanol tends to “grab” suspended moisture in the fuel, which leads to excess water accumulation in the tank, and eventually, the breakdown of the fuel.
When outdated gasoline is present in a boat’s fuel tank, it can prevent the engine from starting. The same way old gasoline can cause a car to stall or not start at all, a boat’s outboard or inboard motor may fail to start or run poorly. The fuel injectors and carburetors could become clogged, and the engine’s internal parts could be damaged.
The bad news is that outdated gasoline cannot be fixed or restored to its original quality. The best solution is to drain the old fuel from your boat and replace it with fresh gasoline. This may seem like a hassle, but it’s a necessary task that will benefit both your boat’s performance and longevity in the long run.
To avoid the problem altogether, it’s always a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer when storing your boat away for an extended period. Fuel stabilizers help to prevent the oxidation and breakdown of gasoline, which makes it last longer and remain effective.
Outdated gasoline can prevent a boat from starting, and it’s not a problem that should be ignored. If you’re experiencing starting issues with your boat, it’s essential to check the fuel and determine if it’s time to replace it. By taking good care of your boat’s fuel system, you’ll ensure that your boat runs smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.