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From Ted’s Tips on Boating:
ETHANOL FUELS 2009

E10, the most common ethanol mix, is a ratio of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline and Ontario has regulated that all fuels sold must meet a 10% ethanol average. That does not mean all fuels sold must contain ethanol, but the only fuel now actively promoted as being ethanol-free is V Power Shell, and technicians will be seeing more ethanol-related issues as E10 use expands. Some large-volume marinas were still able to negotiate for non-ethanol fuel this year.

For the marine industry, the fit isn’t very good. Ethanol is a solvent that doesn’t mix well with fuel and fuel byproducts lingering in older tanks. It scours fuel systems, overburdening filters, it breaks down fibreglass fuel tanks and it rapidly absorbs water from atmospheric humidity, giving fuE10nly a brief shelf life. Ethanol use is changing the way gasoline powered boats are maintained, serviced, used, and regarding some components, constructed.

Research by BoatUS and several marine surveyors traced problems back to ethanol reacting with and dissolving the resin in the walls of fibreglass fuel tanks. Tank walls may be seriously weakened causing leaks, and styrene and related chemical byproducts dissolved in or reacted with the ethanol, work their way into fuel systems, creating fouling problems. When surveying, retrofitting or repairing an older boat be sure to determine the tank material. If the tank is fibreglass, make sure there is no degradation and pay close attention to flexible gas lines and hoses for signs of deterioration.

E10 combined with non-ethanol gasoline may cause fuel filters to clog and even deteriorate. The two products mixed in boat tanks upset the vapor pressure of the fuel causing cold start and vapor-lock problems. In isolated cases corrosion of aluminum fuel system components have been documented and attributed to mixing the two fuel types. To avoid this problem boat tanks should be run down to the lowest safe level before taking on ethanol fuel. Fuel suppliers are in transition. Boat owners who trailer their boats and fill at service stations must be aware they are buying mixes up to E10.

Because ethanol is a solvent, it will clean dirt or contaminants from both dispensing and boat fuel systems. Boat owners and marinas report that filters clog often with the first few loads of fuel but the filters do take care of the dirt. Carrying spare ethanol- compatible filters will be a must for boaters and marinas. Boaters must have the spares and the means to change them, including a method of safely storing the old filter and the gasoline it contains on board, for disposal ashore.

Ethanol, being alcohol-based absorbs water. Marine fuel systems are very susceptible to water intrusion. The problem comes when the fuel is saturated beyond its capacity to hold any more water. Phase separation takes place and leaves two solutions: a high concentration of water and alcohol, and gasoline with no oxygenate. The water-alcohol solution is highly corrosive to aluminum and other fuel components and oxygenate-shorted gasoline will cause engine damage. The only solution is to drain the system and start over again. E10 is only good for 60-90 days if left without treatment. Non-alcohol based fuel stabilizers can extend the life, and is recommended. Contrary to past practises it is preferable to leave boat tanks low on fuel and the more boats are used the better it will be. For winter storage leave the tanks as low as possible and treat what is left with stabilizer.

Precautions for the switch to Ethanol:

• Do not mix ethanol blend with old formula fuels.
• Run non-alcohol based fuel stabilizers in the boat fuel system - especially recommended for boats sitting for extended periods with little use.
• The more use the boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems. Don’t leave large quantities of E10 fuel aboard idle boats.
• Install good quality, ethanol-compatible fuel filters.
• Keep a stock of spare filters and the means for safely changing them. (boaters and Marinas)
• Replace old weather-faded portable plastic tanks with new ones.
• Retailers should inform customers what type of fuel they are dispensing. Customers should ask what type they are getting during the transition to E10.
• Fuel lines older than late 80’s should be inspected and may need replacing.
• Some older carburetted engines may require special tuning and ethanol-compatible fuel system components - Consult engine manufacturer. .

We do not want to create panic and drive boaters away from their favourite pastime and our livelihood.
The fuel changes and new risks they bring may not be as bad as they first appear. For boaters (our valued customers) if they have had water problems in the past, those problems will only worsen with E10. Correct the water situation and start fresh with a new supply of E10.

Ted Mallet is owner of Offshore Marine in Lagoon City. 484-5344

(This article was forwarded to the ghlcoa by Bruce Galway. Thanks, Bruce.
J.)