Fuel pumps and injectors are a different story, however not the fault of the manufacturer. More a fuel quality problem than anything. Old stale fuel WILL plug a pump screen and injectors in no time flat. Difference between carb'd motor and EFI motor (in this example) is cost. Clean a carb for under $100. EFI parts replacement $250-$1200. One more reason to stay on top of your fuel quality!
That said, I'd have an EFI motor any day over a carbureted motor!!![/quote]
A couple thoughts,
Most of the engine related issues that the marine industry is seeing right now is a direct result of the ethanol that’s now in our fuels. We can rightly translate ethanol into alcohol, and alcohol absorbs moisture and therein lays the problem. Yes “old stale fuel” will gum up a carb, and it can clog up filters and screens. Whether it’s a fuel injected motor or a carbureted motor we have to be mindful of all of the fuel related issues.
However when you factor in all of the variables, fuel injected motors are far more cost effective to own and maintain than there carbureted counter parts. That’s true even if you considered nothing other than fuel economy. But the truth is there are many other things to consider than that. It’s all relative to ones individual ability to maintain and repair his or her motor.
Yeh you can by a can of gumout, spray your carb and maybe get enough of the chit out of it to make it idle without staling but the reality is, it moist likely needs to be overhauled. That’s not a big deal if you have the skill set, the carb kit is probably under a $100 but if you have your local marina do it you looking at more like $250
A fuel injector on the other hand can be professional cleaned and flow tested for about $10 a piece.
Again it’s all relative; you still have to be able to diagnosis the issue, remove and reinstall the injectors. So what’s the Synopsis, ”An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” in other words, carbureted or fuel injected marine application motors need to be maintain in a way as to prevent fuel related issues. Firstly we do this by getting our heads out of our Azz’s and be mindful that it’s a real problem.
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Good fuel additives like marine STA-BIL and Star Tron are a must, even if you don’t winterize or leave your boat idle for long periods of time in between use. Another prevention method is to keep your fuel tank full. When the tank is full of fuel there isn’t any room for air so the ethanol can’t absorb what’s not there. Fuel injected motors are the future, and just like anything else they need to be well maintain for longevity and performance. Just my 2 cents……………………………………… :mrgreen:
