FYI, This article appeared recently
Solving Ethanol-Gas Problems
15% Ethanol approved
Modern gasoline is a blend containing up to 10% ethanol alcohol. Last October the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a 50% increase in the maximum amount of ethanol that can be sold at your local gas station (increased from 10% to 15% of the gasoline). At this time, E-15, the new formulation, is only approved for 2007 and newer cars and trucks (so-called Flex-Fuel vehicles). Expect a transition to some type of a dual-fuel system, where there will be both E-15 and E-10 available.
E-10 only, not E-15, for your boat!
As this catalog goes to press, there are many unknowns concerning E-15 and boat fuel. We do not know how and when this new formulation will be offered for sale, or if it will ever be sold in your local marina. We do know that you dont want it in your marine engine, as the experts are unanimous on the subject. According to Mercury Marine: Fuel containing higher proportions of ethanol is not compatible with many fuel system and engine components and, if mistakenly used, will cause irreversible damage to these components that will lead to engine failure and potential safety risks. At this early date, we can only warn you about the possibility of confusion and the risk of accidentally filling your boats gas tank with E-15.
To keep your engine and fuel system safe:
Do not put any fuel containing more than 10% ethanol (E-10) in your boats fuel tank or outboard motor (EPAs decision only applies to 2007 and newer highway vehicles), unless your owners manual specifically states otherwise.
Check the pump to be sure that it is dispensing E-10. Some gas pumps at local gas stations may offer both E-10 and E-15, or have blender pumps that dispense mid-level ethanol fuels for Flex-Fuel automobiles. Higher ethanol fuel (E-15) may be less expensive than regular (E-10) fuel, but putting E-15 into an E-10 approved vessel could cause engine and fuel system damage.
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