Prevent Fuel System Failures: Quick Checks

Fuel system problems strand more boaters than any mechanical issue. A few simple checks prevent most fuel-related breakdowns before they happen.

Inspect Fuel Lines

Check rubber fuel lines for cracks and softening. Ethanol-blended fuels can degrade older lines quickly. Replace any suspicious hoses immediately.

Use Fuel Stabilizer

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.

Change Fuel Filters

Replace in-line fuel filters at the start of each season. A clogged filter causes sputtering and stalling at the worst possible moments.

Five minutes of prevention beats hours of repair.