More Ethanol Info (this time from Volvo Penta)

The following is from Volvo Penta, and if their projection of gloom and doom is any indication for their products, we're all in for a blood bath too. Our old habits about water in the gas, corrosion, filters, carbs, will probably have to be adjusted. Better get informed now, or we'll be cryin later!

Tom





"Gasoline is now being distributed in the United States containing ethanol. Volvo Penta gasoline engines may be operated using gasoline blended with no more than 10% ethanol that meets the minimum octane specification. 10% ethanol-blended fuel is also commonly referred to as "E10."

Because of the high content of alcohol in the blend, users of ethanol-blended fuels must take additional care in the maintenance of their fuel systems. The effects vary depending on the fuel tank material. Most boats produced in the last 20 years have fuel tanks constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, or plastics. Since ethanol-blended fuels attract and hold moisture, ethanol content can contribute to corrosion of the tank material in aluminum fuel tanks.

Corrosion material can clog fuel filters and damage injectors, carburetors, and other fuel system components. Stainless steel and plastic fuel tank materials are not affected by ethanol-blended fuels. However, ethanol-blended fuel can act as a solvent, loosening and washing old deposits or contaminates into the fuel system. Fuel system or engine damage caused by contamination from water, foreign particles, sludge, or gums entering or forming in the fuel system is not covered by the Volvo Penta Limited Warranty. Some older boats may have fiberglass fuel tanks.

Ethanol-blended fuels have been shown to act as a solvent to the surface of fiberglass fuel tanks, causing weakening of the fuel tank walls and the formation of sludge and gum in the engine fuel system and valve train. As a result, Volvo Penta does not recommend the use of ethanol-blended fuels in fuel tanks constructed of fiberglass. Refer to the Fuel System Maintenance section of the Operator’s Manual for the complete fuel requirement statement from Volvo Penta.

Recommendations when using 10% ethanol-blended (E10) fuel:

• The use of a water separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the engine is recommended. The filter must be rated for use with gasoline and have a minimum rating of 50 gallons per hour. The filter must be approved for inboard installations and be installed in accordance with US Coast Guard regulations and ABYC standards.

• Water separating fuel filters should be checked frequently for water and contaminates in accordance with the filter manufacturers recommended service intervals.

• The use of a commercially available fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL® is recommended when storing ethanol-blended fuels for more than 2 weeks."