Fuel system maintenance has gotten complicated with all the ethanol and additive debates flying around. As someone who has been stranded by fuel problems more times than I’d like to admit, I learned everything there is to know about keeping fuel flowing to your engine. Today, I will share it all with you.
Inspect Fuel Lines
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Check rubber fuel lines for cracks and softening. Ethanol-blended fuels can degrade older lines quickly—faster than most people realize. Replace any suspicious hoses immediately. The cost of new fuel line is nothing compared to calling for a tow.
Use Fuel Stabilizer
That’s what makes proper fuel treatment endearing to us experienced boaters—it’s cheap insurance against expensive problems. Add stabilizer to your tank whenever the boat will sit for more than two weeks. This prevents gum and varnish deposits that clog carburetors and injectors. Modern fuel goes bad faster than the stuff we used decades ago.
Change Fuel Filters
Replace in-line fuel filters at the start of each season—no excuses. A clogged filter causes sputtering and stalling at the worst possible moments, usually when you’re trying to dock or navigate a tricky channel. Keep a spare filter aboard.
Five minutes of prevention beats hours of repair. Your engine will thank you, and so will everyone waiting for you back at the dock.
