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Gasolines Containing Alcohol

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3474 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/28/2015 : 06:11:45

The is from my Operator's Guide for a 2012 Evinrude 4ph Outboard:

"The fuel system components on your Evinrude engine will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline. But if the gasoline in your area contains either methanol ( methyl alcohol ) or ethanol methanol ( methyl alcohol ) or ethanol ( ethyl alcohol ), you should be aware of certain adverse effects that can occur. These adverse effects are more severe with methanol. Increasing the percentage of alcohol in the fuel can also worsen these adverse effects. Some of theses adverse effects are caused because the alcohol in the gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, resulting in a separation of the water/alcohol from the gasoline in the fuel tank.

These may cause increased: >corrosion of metal parts. >deterioration of rubber of plastic parts > fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines >starting and operating difficulties

If the use of gasoline containing alcohol is inevitable, or the presence of alcohol is suspected in the gasoline, it is recommended to add a filter that has water separating capability, and check the fuel system for leaks and mechanical parts for corrosion and abnormal wear more frequently.

And, in case of such abnormality is found, discontinue the use of such gasoline and contact our dealer immediately.

Damages resulting from the use of gasolines that contain alcohol are not covered under the limited warranty."

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 03/28/2015 06:12:42

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3994 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2015 : 08:56:07

So, What else is new...Honestly I haven't ever had a problem with ethanol 10% fuel but I use the boat often enough that It never gets old. The only filter I have is the little one on the engine and maybe one on the pick-up tube in the tank if there is one. I don't disconnect the fuel hose either. I suppose you could give the tank a shake before starting if you haven't used the engine for a few weeks just incase the gas has separated. I used the leftover gas that was in my tank (6gal) all winter in my snowblowers right up to last week so that gas was 6 months old. The blowers ran like champs and never let me down all winter.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 03/28/2015 09:01:53

redeye
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3474 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2015 : 10:37:52

<< I haven't ever had a problem with ethanol 10% fuel >>

Interesting.. and good to know. Makes me feel a bit better about etoh. You'd think if the cars could handle it the new boat engines would also.

Oh.. and this engine has a little inline fuel filter in it.

We have a summer of 90% humidity here in the south, so that might be why some may have had problems. More water in the air on a summer night on the lake than in the tank.

Anyhoo.. just trying to go over everything with a new engine.. I guess I've just about read everything, now I can shut up and just use the thing... THanks for all the input.

I hope that gave yall something else to think about while you're snowed in...

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 03/28/2015 10:39:12

Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9017 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2015 : 12:03:29

The good news is the mandate to increase the ETOH content to 15% apparently is coming down. Nonetheless, people with engines made before this millennium need to be concerned about seals and hoses in the fuel system. Older squeeze-bulbs are common problems. I added a Racor filter/separator to the line into my Honda 8--it seemed like worthwhile protection. (I also have one for my H-225, with a built-in 110-gallon tank that sits full, heavily stabilized, all winter and generally doesn't get fresh fuel until about July. So far it's doing fine.)

Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge

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