[Rhodes22-list] E10 Gas in 2 Stroke Outboards

[Brad Haslett]

Rick,
The use of ethanol blended fuel is not recommended in marine
environments because of the water absorbtion issues.  Here is an
excerpt from an Australian government study:

"The E10 study of two-stroke outboard and other small engines suggests
that E10 may not be suitable for two-stroke engines. The risk of phase
separation in ethanol blends, and the resulting risk of these smaller
engines stalling, means that use of ethanol blends requires care in a
marine environment."

Ethanol fuels are also not suitable with some rubber and other types
of seals.  Small airplanes that have an STC to use autogas are
specifically prohibited from using E-fuels because of the seals issue
and vapor pressure problems.

Ethanol as it is currently produced in the US is a great substitute
for MTBE but otherwise is a "feel good" fuel that makes Iowa corn
farmers happy.  If we made the stuff from sugar beets, like Brazil, it
would make more sense. That would mean we'd have to cut off the
welfare payments to Louisiana sugar beet farmers.  Sorry, got off
topic!

Brad


On 7/2/06, Rick Lange <SloopBlueHeron at isp.com> wrote:
> In reading my July issue of the Boat US magazine, I came across an article
> about the problems caused by using ethanol as a gasoline additive.  It
> says 2 stroke outboards without "oil injection" could have problems with
> lubrication because of the water absorbed by the ethanol.
>
> Does anyone know what oil injection is?  I presume it eliminates mixing
> the oil in the gasoline.
>
> Also, has anyone had any adverse experience with E10 gas in an outboard?
> Its just being introduced into my locale, so people around here are only
> starting to see the effects.  Mostly clogged filters so far.
>
> I'm hoping the 3 gallon tank I use for my 2 stroke won't pick up much
> water over the summer, and I always throw out what remains at season end.
>
> Rick
>
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------
> Join ISP.COM today - $8.95 internet , less than 1/2 the cost of AOL
> Try us out, http://www.isp.com/
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>