I want to add my 2 cents related to Guy's original statement that his fuel may have been above the stated 10% ethanol. The components of most fuel systems supplied today are tested and rated for up to 10% ethanol or E-10 gas. If the % is higher than 10%, the greater concentration of ethanol may cause deterioration of the fuel lines, gaskets and seals. This is not the same as having water separate out of the gas causing corrosion. If you own a Flex-Fuel motor it can run on E-85 or 85% ethanol.

Related to the full tank, empty tank statements. My understanding is agitation will cause water to separate out of ethanol gas. This is different from condensation caused by an empty tank. When you use an ethanol test kit, you put the gas in a tube and shake it, then see how much separates out. If all that is correct, then the recommendation as I understand it is to NOT have a full tank over a period of time if you are using ethanol gas and to use what you buy within 90 days.

Perhaps someone can confirm this.

Unfortunately, Sam's does get loads that contain ethanol. They "used" to carry a straight ethanol free conoco gas but the gentleman that delivers for them assured me they had rec'd a few drops w/ethanol. The only store in W.F. that I am relatively sure was ethanol free ( as of last week ) is the convenience store across from Love's and next to the Shell on Windthorst road. They haven't dropped any e10 ...yet. That's where I'm filling my tanks!

Full tank--Empty tank
As I don't get a chance to get out more than two or three times a month I siphon my fuel out of the tank prior to going. Put it in the truck and put 10 gallons in the boat of fresh gas with Stabil added. A lot of trouble, I know, but if it sets more than a couple of weeks I don't trust it. I'm running a 40 Merc so ten gallons will make two trips easy if I get the chance to go. The fuel is never more than two weeks old and this routine has worked for me so far.

What you just stated is exactly what my boat mechanic told me.
He said keep the tank as empty as possible and only buy the amount of fuel that you plan to use on the day it is bought.

Just to update everyone...I got my boat back today, thanks to Lake Park Marine (they have a ton of work in there but somehow, worked mine in...and out). I had to have a new fuel pump, lines, seals and fuel control unit. Most everything was toast. Of course, I run my boat more than most guys, so I run a bunch of fuel through it, and unfortunately, it had ETH in it. But here's what I'm doing now (and in the future). I will always use StaBil Marine (blue), as it is suppose to help against the degradation of ETH. Also I'm buying several 5 gal fuel cans and I will be making runs up north once a month to buy fuel with no ETH. I won't buy any more fuel in the Metroplex unless I have to. This was a $1000 mistake on my part for not taking those precautions in the first place.

Man, I hate to hear that, but good advice to all, at your expense.

Glad your back in business buddy!

Good News Guy! I am glad you are back in business. I am going to use Stabil blue also.

Glad to hear you are back up and running Guy!

How far north do you have to travel?

Im pretty sure Star Mart and Fishermans One Stop on 515 at Fork advertise Ethanol Free. Someone correct me if Im wrong.

Guy, Buy a 110 gallon tranfer tank.

I wish the government would get the oil out of our water products and the water out of our oil products. Don't they know that stuff don't mix!?

Good info, though. I'll be more careful, better late then never.

The comments about water separation from ethanol from agitation are correct. Also, gasoline loses about 1-2 octane per day as it sits in the tank depending on temp. Waiting till the day or night before you're ready to fish to fill up is the best plan along with the additives as mentioned.

ETH IS THE NEW METH!!!!

Dang guys your all scaring me. How many hours has it taken for the ETH to ruin everything? I just bought a new boat and it has a Merc Opti 115. I already use the stabil, but I really want this boat/motor to last me years.