In the spring of 2006, most gasoline refiners switched to ethanol-blended fuels. The reason they switched was to reduce ground water pollution (and cancer causing risk) associated with MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), the chemical that had been used in the past to oxygenate fuel/gasoline.
Gasoline mixed with 10% ethanol is now in widespread use in most U.S. States that have recently banned MTBE.
While ethanol (alcohol) is safer to the environment than MTBE, recent concerns have been raised by the outboard, boating and marine industry, since high levels of ethanol is known to cause serious damage/problems in most engines and motors. E.G. outboards, airplanes, lawn mowers, farming equipment...
As increased ethanol-blend gas is mandated, we expect outboard motor breakdowns will rise.
Briefly, ethanol's adverse effects to motors include stalling, all types of performance issues, deterioration of engine parts, rusting, clogging of fuel filters and carburetor jets, contamination of the fuel system, release of gunk and sludge throughout the engine and eventually engine death.
Boat owners, especially in New York, Connecticut and California, who unknowingly used gas with high levels of ethanol (sold since Spring 2006), have been reporting major engine problems associated with the use of these new ethanol-gas mixtures.
Ethanol has always been banned for use in airplane engines, due to the well-documented problems it will cause. The FAA issued another warning this month against using ethanol-blend gasoline in airplane engines. (November 2006 - See information source # 4 at end of article).
The very dangerous effects ethanol fuels have on marine engines is similar (and for the same reasons), known for a long time in the aeronautic and farming industry. The FAA and other agencies bans/exempts use of alcohol-blended fuels on aircraft and farming equipment.
Recent fuel testing revealed that the % of alcohol (ethanol) present at the pump, varies widely.
Below 10% ethanol is considered acceptable by most marine engine manufacturers.
Every state differs on their regulation and laws pertaining to ethanol and fuel.
All agree, that ethanol above 10% will cause damage and/or performance/running issues with outboard engines.
ARTICLE for Boaters: Outboard Engine Damage and Precautions,E10 Ethanol-blend Fuels:
Read Article.
Ethanol Information & Updates + Gas Test Kits:
For detailed and up-to-date information on Ethanol Renewable Fuels and Alcohol Fuel Test Kits:
Contact or Visit: www.FuelTestKit.com
Email: fueltestkit@yahoo.com Phone: (678) 935-1998
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