Boaters are now faced with a new problem- ethanol fuel. For years, gasoline contained MTBE, and additive which controls the fuel’s octane properties. The additive is being phased out, and now much of the nation’s fuel supply is a blend of 10% Ethanol and 90% gasoline, commonly referred to as E-10.
Ethanol presents several problems to boaters. The immediate impact of the formulation is a loss of horsepower and fuel economy. Early indications show drops of three to five percent in both categories. The loss of range sounds small, but adds up on boats that are often already stretched to the limit in terms of fuel needs. Additionally, ethanol is a very effective solvent, and has a tendency to dissolve old coatings of varnish and dirt in existing fuel systems. This can lead to plugged fuel filters, damaged injectors or fuels pumps and other mechanical problems.
The added amounts of particles associated with ethanol fuel may warrant upgrading filter systems. Many engineers are now recommending that boats using ethanol fuel need to use ten micron filters. Pre E-10 systems will likely be using twenty-eight micron filters. Manufacturers, such as Yamaha, have been quick to respond to ethanol fuel use by introducing replacement ten micron filters.
The corrosive nature of ethanol can affect fuel lines and other components, causing them to crack and fail. Many older boats will require replacement of all fuel hoses and, possibly, other system components. Especially affected are boats equipped with fiberglass tanks. Many older vessels must have the fiberglass tanks replaced prior to using E-10 fuels, or face certain engine failures. Please let us here at Hanckel Marine inspect your tank, and replace it for you if needed. We have tank resources available.
Water in E-10 fuel is another problem that boaters must deal with. The introduction of water on E-10 fuel can be disastrous. E-10 can hold up to four teaspoons of water in suspension per gallon. Once this saturation point is exceeded, the solution separa