ethanol gas

[ebb]

In the latest BoatUS mag (now owned by West Marine) there are a few more than usual articles on ethanol formulated gas (E-10) that may have some bearing on those of us with OBs and Atomic 4s.

Let me summerize using an "Advertorial" of West Marine's "We make boating more fun!" The subject is serious:

"Ethanol acts as a detergent..." It acts as a solvent loosening any sediments and debris in the tank. "This crud clogs fuel filters... Replace fuel filters frequently while burning the first few tanks of ethanol fuel."

"...ethanol removes resin and plasticizers from some plastic and rubber materials." Fiberglass tanks can begin dissolving and leaking. Hoses can get brittle, O-rings loose their seal, and primer bulbs disintergate.

"Ethanol is hygroscopic - it absorbs water, AND WILL MIX MORE EASILY WITH WATER THAN WITH GASOLINE." (Caps are mine.)That means the alcohol comes out of solution with gasoline. Because water and gas don't mix they are layered in the tank and when the alcohol combines with the water it will lurk on the bottom of the tank where the fuel pickup is. The gas on top will have become low octane.

WM sells fuel filters that separate water out when you fill.
They also sell Starbrite's Star Tron a water absorber.
One assumes your engine will be happy burning the recombined liquid.
They also sell Sta-bil, a fuel stabilizer for off seaon tanks. I wonder is there is a reason to run this stuff in the tank all the time???

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