Facts About Ethanol

General Boats and Motors
1

a good article in the Aug 2009 Sport Fishing magazine about what really happens with ethanol and boats.

26’ Twinvee
Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com

2

SUBJECTS: 1. Yamaha Outboards and Ethanol Fuel Blends – All
Models
©2006 YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA
OUTBOARD 6/05/2006 O2006-009
Yamaha Outboards and Ethanol Fuel Blends – All Models

As of spring 2006, most gasoline refiners will switch to ethanol-blended fuels. This may present a challenge for boat builders, dealers, and boaters in the months ahead. Until recently, refiners have primarily used the chemical MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) as an additive “to oxygenate” fuel, thereby, reducing emissions. Unfortunately, the chemical has been associated with ground water pollution. As a result, most refineries have chosen to remove it from their blends. Using ethanol in place of MTBE solves the ground water issue, since ethanol has a very short life in the environment before it is broken down chemically by nature.

Properties

Both consumers and those in the boating industry should be aware of the following characteristics of ethanol, even when blended in ratios of as little as 10 percent:

  1. Ethanol attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. That means boaters will likely face more fuel contamination issues from water absorbed through their fuel tank vents.

  2. Ethanol can dissolve some solid materials (e.g., varnish or even oxidation in steel and aluminum tanks) commonly found in fuel tanks, thereby contaminating the fuel. Additionally, it can loosen any corrosion or particulate matter in the fuel system.

  3. In some cases, ethanol has been known to dissolve components of the fuel system itself (e.g., fiberglass fuel tanks). However, modern fuel hose is made to withstand the effects of ethanol exposure.

  4. Ethanol blends can react chemically with MTBE fuel blends, causing additional contamination.

Recommendations:

Fuel blends using as much as 10 percent ethanol are appropriate for use in all of Yamaha’s current outboard models. Yamaha does not recommend the use of fuels with higher concentrations of ethanol (e.g., E85, which contains 85 percent ethanol) or
any other

3

The ethanol industry is asking EPA to increase to 15% ethanol with out research. July 20th is the deadline to voice your opinion. Go to http://capwiz.com/nmma/home to voice your opinion!