To fill the tank or not to fill that tank – that is the question facing many powerboaters when it comes time for off-season lay-up. Do you drain all the fuel possible from your boat’s fuel tank, so that you don’t have a tank of skunky fuel come spring? Or is it smarter to fill the tank to the brim to avoid issues with condensation forming in an empty fuel tank, which is essentially filled with damp winter air?
Chevron, which is new to the marine field but an old hand at fuel additives, has just produced anew video that takes a look deep inside a boat’s fuel system and engine and addresses the issues boaters need to know when storing their boats over the winter, or anytime it’s going to be “on the hard” for a while. While admittedly a promotion for the benefits of Techron MarineFuel System Treatment as a marine storage additive, the video does have some great information and illustrations about damage and problems that can occur when the proper steps aren’t taken to protect the fuel system.Chevron stresses the importance of using a high-performance fuel additive to stabilize your fuel and protect the entire fuel system from the build up of gum, varnish and corrosion over time.Chevron claims its Techron Marine Fuel System Treatment was scientifically formulated by the fuel experts at Chevron to provide the highest level of protection during extended storage, while also fighting the corrosive effects of the harsh marine environment.
Ethanol Issues
More than 98 percent of gasoline sold in the United States contains ethanol, which attracts water into your boat’s fuel system. During offseason storage — or any period of infrequent operation — this water accelerates fuel oxidation, the formation of gum and varnish and can lead to corrosion in the fuel system. It left too long, this corrosion, varnish and gum can cause permanent damage to your boat’s fuel system.
Some boaters attempt to prevent this by draining their fuel system in preparation for storage.This is often impractical, and it also wastes money and gasoline. Most importantly, it can actually create problems. Draining the tank exposes the metal components inside to condensation, which may accelerate fuel system corrosion. It can also cause internal components in your fuel system to dry and crack over time, leading to potential hazards and leaks.
In addition, there will usually be some fuel left in the tank after draining, and it will be subject to oxidation. This can create gum and varnish that can restrict fuel injectors, gum up carburetors, and even clog the system badly enough to cause a fuel pump failure.
Stabilize A Full Tank
We agree with Chevron that, instead of draining the tank, the better plan for most boat owners is to add a quality fuel stabilizer product to a nearly empty fuel tank and then fill it up nearly to the top with quality gasoline. Leave just a little room for expansion. Then, run the engine for a few minutes to allow the treatment to circulate throughout the system. Marine fuel additives are very concentrated – for example it only takes one ounce of Techron Marine to treat 10 gallons of fuel – so follow instructions and make sure you are dosing the fuel properly. Chevron says Techron Marine Fuel System Treatment has been scientifically engineered to keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months. A quality marine fuel additive like Techron Marine Fuel System Treatment is also beneficial for engine and fuel system cleaning and corrosion protection in the harshest environments — especially in salt water. Techron Marine Fuel System Treatment can be used as an additive with every fill up, not just during storage, to help keep a boat’s fuel system and engine running clean, strong and at peak efficiency. It works in all types of gasoline-powered boats including two-stroke, four-stroke, carbureted, port-or electronic fuel-injected and direct injected engines.
This versatility to stabilize fuel for extended storage and also protect boat fuel systems all season long contributed to Techron Marine winning a 2019 Top Product Award from leading trade journal Boating Industry magazine.
