Marine Gas Watch

Posts Tagged ‘ethanol boat problems’

Ethanol E15 blended fuel has been linked to many boat engine problems – from performance issues to permanent damage. In 2006, the problems became more widespread as increased distribution of ethanol gasoline in the United States made ethanol fuel more available to boaters at the fuel dock. Upcoming U.S. legislation proposing an increase from up to 10% ethanol (E10) to up to 15% ethanol (E15) has caused boaters and the entire marine industry to become concerned about further impact on boat engines.

Why Ethanol Causes Problems for Boat Engines

Derived from corn in the U.S., gasoline containing ethanol is a blend of ethanol and refined alcohol. The result is an ethanol solvent that can cause several different problems to your boat engine if proper precautions are not taken.

Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it will attract and attach to any water that gets into the fuel and has the ability to absorb 50 times more water than non-ethanol gasoline. Since boat fuel tanks are vented, condensation and moisture is likely to occur in fuel tanks – particularly when the fuel tank is not full. When the solvent reacts with water it can create sludge in the fuel tank that clogs fuel filters, carburetors and other engine parts.

The ethanol damage can be especially troublesome in older boats with fiberglass fuel tanks made with thophthalic resin. The ethanol can react with the resin in these older fuel tanks and create a sludge build up. In some cases, fuel tanks need to be entirely drained to remove sludge filled fuel. Other boat owners have suffered from performance issues, costly repairs or a completely ruined boat engine.

Potential E15 Issues for Boaters

In 2010, the EPA has proposed increasing the percentage of ethanol from up to 10% (known as E10) to up to 15% (known as E15). Despite initial ruling that the sale of E15 gasoline is restricted to only on-road vehicles model year 2007 and newer, there is still potential for E15 fuel to mistakenly get into boats.

According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA), “there is significant risk of consumer confusion and misfueling.” Although E15 may not be offered at a fuel dock, millions of smaller boats that may purchase fuel at gasoline stations on land could be at risk. The NMMA is also concerned that E15 will be marketed as a lower cost fuel and boaters may choose fuel based on price without being informed of the potential consequences. Because marine engines have not been tested with E15, the exact implications on boat engines are unknown. However, the impact of E15 is widely expected to be more severe and damaging to both old and new boat engines

Precautions to Protect Your Boat Engine

With proper precaution, many of the boat engine issues caused by ethanol fuel can be mitigated or avoided altogether.

Here are some recommended precautions to deal with ethanol gasoline for E10 or E15:

• Refuel often. Ethanol fuel should not sit in a gas tank longer than 90 days, therefore it is important to use fuel and refuel as often as possible.
• Maintain fuel filters. Changing fuel filters regularly will help keep your carburetors clean and stop engine damaging sludge build-up caused by ethanol.
• Fuel your boat at marinas. Don’t risk fueling your boat with a higher level of ethanol if E15 becomes available at gasoline stations on land. Fueling your boat at a marina will be safer because E15 will not be approved for sale at a marina.
• Choose fuel wisely. Although some states have regulations requiring E10 for gasoline, there are marinas that offer ethanol-free fuel. Whenever possible, select ethanol-free fuel for your boat.

Sources: National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Fuel-testers.com, Boating Industry