---

The Yamaha certified mechanic I bought my 1996 Yamaha F40 motor from said he only ran the motor with non-ethanol and Yamalube Ring Free. He seemed like an honest and knowledgeable guy.

My question is this: if I'm running nothing but mid-grade non-ehtanol, should I use Yamalube Ring Free (or a comparable product) in my motor? This isn't a question about what is a better product, but about the need for such an additive altogether.

Some facts: I use my Sport 13 Whaler 2-3 times each month. I'll probably use it 9-10 months out of the year. I'll have it winterized/serviced each winter. I run it at maybe 2/3 throttle (no tach on board) for 1-2 hours each use in a salt water bay with 2-3 adults and gear with a 14 pitch prop.

Thanks!

Bruce

---

Moved to the Engine discussion area.

---

Why don't you ask your Yamaha Certified Mechanic?

---

Ring Free is said to cut down on carbon build up in the combustion chambers and piston rings. In pure form, it does nothing to stabilize the fuel or counter the harmful effects of ethanol in outboard motors. The newer Ring Free Plus E-10 additive has some sort of fuel additive that is designed to stabilize and mediate the undesirable effects of ethanol. Yamaha, and several first rate Yamaha techs I know highly recommend Ring Free for 2 and 4 stroke engines.
Given that you are going to be running your motor easy and not really heating up the engine, you might want to strongly consider continuing the use of Ring Free- which was designed to abate carbon buildup from the lower combustion temps of water cooled outboards, according to the manufacturer that supplies it to Yamaha (Chevron Oronite). 1 oz. per 10 gallons is cheap insurance in my view. By all means keep running non-ethanol fuel as well- E-10 wreaks havoc on small outboards that aren't constantly run, in my own painful personal experience. Good Luck- and don't be afraid to rev that engine up now and again- they like it!

---

I use Yamaha Ring Free in my Merc. Local Yamaha mechanic (only mechanic nearby) swears by it. I did the "shock treatment" and noticed a huge difference afterward. Now I do the maintenance doses, and I swear by it. My Merc mechanic (30 min away) and I spoke about it, said it was the same as the Merc labeled product and keep using it. I use the Ring free over the Merc brand only because its available closer. But also, as posted prior...open 'er up a bit each time you run it, especially after a lot of low speed/idling to blow it out!

---

You've already answered your own question.

Why are you asking us when a certified Yamaha mechanic already told you the answer??

I use Ring free about twice a year.

---

Cliff -- I once had a doctor tell me I needed to have surgery to correct a deviated septum. I also had another doctor tell me I didn't. They were both board certified physicians. Who was right? Who was wrong?

Also, a Yamaha Certified mechanic is taught through his certification training to sell, well, Yamaha products. So, perhaps he is a little biased..? I don't know. I like asking others what they think and formulating an opinion based on the results. It's how I learn.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

Bruce

---

Bruce, I understand.....

Ring Free is true to it's word and works great. I am not a certified Yamaha mechanic but I do all of my own wrenching and I recomend the stuff.