[Rhodes22-list] E10 Gas in 2 Stroke Outboards

[Brad Haslett]

Rick,

Here is another article on ethanol fuels and small engines.  If ethanol is
blended into the fuel it will be labeled on the pump.

Brad

---------------------
 Non-oxygenated fuels usually best for small engines *Q* I have a question
about fuels. I understand the difference between premium gas with ethanol
and premium gas without ethanol. I have been told that this is also called
"racing fuel." Since non-ethanol premium fuel has become more readily
available in recent years, I have used it in my small engines -- snow
blowers, trimmers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers.

*Paul Brand*
*Q* I have a question about fuels. I understand the difference between
premium gas with ethanol and premium gas without ethanol. I have been told
that this is also called "racing fuel." Since non-ethanol premium fuel has
become more readily available in recent years, I have used it in my small
engines -- snow blowers, trimmers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers.

I recently heard that the premium non-ethanol gas can damage or shorten the
life of small engines because of the high octane and higher burn
temperatures. Is this true? I thought it would be a better fuel as it
eliminates the alcohol. I know my truck runs better on it, as does my
motorcycle. What is the best fuel for smaller engines?

*A* It's a trade-off. The primary benefit of premium non-oxygenated fuel in
any engine not operated on a regular basis is the reduced potential for
moisture contamination in the fuel and the resultant phase separation and
corrosion issues. The disadvantage is the higher octane rating, which is not
necessary in most small engines. Higher-octane fuels are "built" with longer
hydrocarbon molecules that burn more slowly. In low-compression engines --
typical of most small engines -- the slower burn rate can lead to more
carbon deposits from unburned fuel.

But as I said, it's a trade-off. I'm willing to de-carbonize my small
engines periodically as the trade-off to reduce the potential for moisture
and/or phase separation with oxygenated fuels that sit in the tank for any
significant length of time.

Adding SeaFoam to the fuel can help prevent these problems, but in my
opinion non-oxygenated fuels are a better choice for any engine operated on
a seasonal or intermittent basis.



On 7/4/06, Rick Lange <SloopBlueHeron at isp.com> wrote:
>
> Brad,
>
> Ouch!  So how does one find ethanol-free gas?  Are marina gas stations
> exempt by the EPA as they are for nonleaded gas?
>
> Rick
>
> > Rick,
> > The use of ethanol blended fuel is not recommended in marine
> > environments because of the water absorbtion issues.  Here is an
> > excerpt from an Australian government study:
> >
> > "The E10 study of two-stroke outboard and other small engines suggests
> > that E10 may not be suitable for two-stroke engines. The risk of phase
> > separation in ethanol blends, and the resulting risk of these smaller
> > engines stalling, means that use of ethanol blends requires care in a
> > marine environment."
> >
> > Ethanol fuels are also not suitable with some rubber and other types
> > of seals.  Small airplanes that have an STC to use autogas are
> > specifically prohibited from using E-fuels because of the seals issue
> > and vapor pressure problems.
> >
> > Ethanol as it is currently produced in the US is a great substitute
> > for MTBE but otherwise is a "feel good" fuel that makes Iowa corn
> > farmers happy.  If we made the stuff from sugar beets, like Brazil, it
> > would make more sense. That would mean we'd have to cut off the
> > welfare payments to Louisiana sugar beet farmers.  Sorry, got off
> > topic!
> >
> > Brad
> >
> >
> > On 7/2/06, Rick Lange <SloopBlueHeron at isp.com> wrote:
> >> In reading my July issue of the Boat US magazine, I came across an
> >> article
> >> about the problems caused by using ethanol as a gasoline additive.  It
> >> says 2 stroke outboards without "oil injection" could have problems
> with
> >> lubrication because of the water absorbed by the ethanol.
> >>
> >> Does anyone know what oil injection is?  I presume it eliminates mixing
> >> the oil in the gasoline.
> >>
> >> Also, has anyone had any adverse experience with E10 gas in an
> outboard?
> >> Its just being introduced into my locale, so people around here are
> only
> >> starting to see the effects.  Mostly clogged filters so far.
> >>
> >> I'm hoping the 3 gallon tank I use for my 2 stroke won't pick up much
> >> water over the summer, and I always throw out what remains at season
> >> end.
> >>
> >> Rick
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
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>
>
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