[Rhodes22-list] E10 Gas in 2 Stroke Outboards

[Rick Lange]

Brad,

Ouch!  So how does one find ethanol-free gas?  Are marina gas stations
exempt by the EPA as they are for nonleaded gas?

Rick

> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
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