Boating in the Kawarthas

boating

in the kawarthas

by Heather Jackson Fenelon Falls Marina

What Every Boater Needs to Know about the Effects of Ethanol (E10)

WHAT IS ETHANOL? Ethanol has been added to most of the today’s fuel supply as an oxygenate to help reduce emissions into our atmosphere. Ethanol is alcohol, and alcohol is “hygroscopic” which means it attracts water molecules.

Why is Ethanol so bad for marine engines?

REASON #1 Ethanol is not a big problem in the sealed fuel system of a modern car, but most boats have an open-vented fuel tank that breaths and introduces humid air to the fuel tank. This can create the formation of strong organic acids as water combines with Ethanol and other elements in the fuel, forming sludge and corrosive compounds. This process is known as fuel phase separation. Marine fuel intakes are located at the bottom of the tank, so the result is this separated sludge will be pushed through your engine causing running issues to occur. Beyond this level of water, phase separation could cause most of the Ethanol to separate from the fuel and drop to the bottom of the tank, leaving gasoline with a significantly reduced level of Ethanol in the upper phase.

REASON #2 Ethanol, being alcohol, is a powerful solvent that can loosen debris in your fuel tank and all the components and lines it runs through. While on the topic of tanks, this is where your fuel system

begins and the first point where Ethanol has a chance to deteriorate your equipment. Most boat manufacturers don’t use fibreglass tanks anymore, however, there are still several in use today. Ethanol will break down certain resins that hold the glass fibres together, allowing debris to potentially reach your motor. Fibreglass is just one of the materials that Ethanol will deteriorate. What about rubber, plastic, even some types of metal? It is true, it can deteriorate all these materials, all of which are a part of your fuel system. As the Ethanol cleans, it leaves behind the debris which will travel through your fuel, creating more headaches for all boat owners.

What can Boaters do to protect their engines from the potentially damaging effects of Ethanol?

1. ADD FUEL STABILIZER AND CONDITIONER TO EVERY TANK OF FUEL Make sure to add a quality, marine-specific nonalcohol-based formula. Read the ingredients of

the products, as additives for fuel may contain Ethanol or other alcohol products. You can’t fix an alcohol problem by adding more alcohol.

“Ethanol will break down certain resins that hold the glass fibers together.”

We highly recommend the non-alcohol based Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus for winter storage, as well as for regular season use. This blend is specifically designed to work effectively in the moisture rich environments common to watercrafts. This blend needs to be used in all makes and models of marine and powersport equipment.

2. INSTALL A FUEL / WATER SEPARATING

FILTER This should be installed between the fuel tank and the engine. It will filter the gas and allow any water (which is heavier than gas) to safely sink to the bottom of the filter and out of the fuel. These filters are manufacturer specific and can be installed by any marine mechanic or by yourself.

3. USE A CARBON REMOVER ADDITIVE IN

YOUR FUEL ON A REGULAR BASIS The cleansing additives in most of today’s gas are formulated for automobile engines, so an additional additive will help your marine engine to perform more effectively. We recommend Yamaha Ring Free Plus. This formula means performance robbing carbon chemically unable to adhere to internal engine components. It cleans gum and deposits off the internal engine and fuel system components. Also, it contains synthetic anti-corrosion additives that protect the metals in your fuel system from corrosion.

4. KEEP YOUR TANK FULL AND BUY YOUR GAS WHERE THEY SELL A LOT OF IT There is a lot of controversy about what is better. Through the summer keeping a full tank of fuel allows for less room for condensation to occur, which lessens the chance of water in the fuel. Through the winter, stabilizing the fuel correctly is key to eliminating issues in the Spring. If you don’t stabilize the fuel, remove all the fuel from the tank.

Remember, no matter what you add to bad gas, it’s still bad gas. No additive will restore stale fuel, remove water, or cure Ethanol-related issues. Boating season is short and all of us love to be on the water every chance we get. Don’t let Ethanol issues ruin your summer. These easy steps can help you to avoid costly repairs, unnecessary service bills and missed time on the water.

Remember to be preventative and protect your boat’s engine and fuel system each time you fill up. For more information please give us a call or e-mail us at info@fenelonmarina.com.

Happy Boating Season 2019!