fuel e10

[poly]

I was told to day that standed unleaded will be fazed out and replaced with E10, is there any truth in this statement or am I having my leg pulled, and if it is true can it be used in modem outboards like my 40/4stroke, I was told not.

Paul

shock wtf shock wtf

[Doug]

My understanding, Poly, is that 10% ethanol (in your petrol, not your blood) is acceptable to the major outboard manufacturers. More is not so good as they claim it damages the soft rubbery parts. Warranties are not a problem with 10%.

However, remember I'm a retired Old Fart and may be talking through my torpedo tube.

[poly]

if you come to N.S.W. you wont be able to get standed unleaded after 2011 i dont know about Q.L.D.
Doug i pulled this off the merc site, and there is no way I will be putting it in my motor

Fuel system components of Mercury Outboard and Sterndrive Engines can and will withstand up to 10% Ethanol content in gasoline
*

Water contamination of fuel is the big issue and concern
*

The best advice we have for customers is to empty the fuel tanks for long term storage. Alternatively, keeping the fuel tank full reduces the amount of exchange between the fuel and air that might bring in condensation

Phase separation essentially means that the ethanol in the fuel has attracted water (usually already present from condensation and/or other sources) into the fuel mix. When the right amount of water enters the mixture, most of the ethanol and water will tend to separate from the fuel (into a different "phase") and drop to a lower level or layer inside the tank (water is heavier than fuel). If this layer of concentrated ethanol and water is drawn into the engine's fuel system, significant damage can occur. Further, the level at which phase separation occurs is determined by a number of variables, one of which is the temperature of the environment. This may help to explain why some regions of the country may be more affected by ethanol than others. Mercury Marine believes this higher ethanol exposure has caused product failures in fuel system components on two-stroke and four-stroke product.

Ethanol has very different solvency behaviors than gasoline and is a proven contributor to the deterioration of certain rubber and/or plastic components and electrical potting compounds. Mercury is aware of this potential and is constantly working to implement material improvements to better withstand the effects of ethanol. One such improvement in place on all 75-115 hp four-strokes since 2006 and Verados since June 2007 (most easily identified by the polished chrome graphics package) is an improved float switch in the fuel supply module that ensures the integrity of the switch itself, even when exposed to higher ethanol concentrations. This change alone should address the majority of ethanol-induced product failures within the fuel system.

Mercury continues to monitor the ethanol situation worldwide and makes every effort to upgrade materials as necessary to ensure the continued reliable, durable operation of all of its outboard products.

[Keithy P]

thats good stuff paul, cheers for that.

[chin]

Yes you are correct poly, standard unleaded is being fazed out soon.
I'm not sure if it's a federal or NSW state thing though.
Unleaded is already getting a bit sparse in Sydney and Melbourne I believe.
I don't think it's such a big deal personally, as I've always used the 98 stuff anyway.
For the amount of fuel a small boat uses, the extra cost doesn't amount to much.

[Doug]

Oh well, if you've got a Merc (= a Black Anchor) then you have our deepest sympathy. laugh1

But even they aren't muttering about voiding warranties, which was the approach a few years ago.

[poly]

if you have to use this fuel read what yamaha have to say about it



Total prevention of issues may not be possible but there are steps you can take to minimize the occurrence and severity of the negative affects of E10 fuel:

* If at all possible, do not use E10 fuel.
* Ideally (before switching to E10 fuel) have your fuel tank completely drained to remove any accumulated water. As little as 500mls. of water can promote phase separation in 100L of E10 fuel. The result would be 10L of unusable ethanol and water mixture on the bottom of the tank.
* If the tank can be completely drained, the internal surfaces should be mechanically cleaned to remove rust or aluminium oxides. Fuel polishing companies may be able to provide this specialized service.
* Consider replacing the fuel tank in an older boat.
* If your boat has fibreglass fuel tanks built prior to the early 1990’s, consult with your boat builder concerning E10 compatibility.
* If unable to completely drain and clean your tank before switching to E10 fuel, add as much E10 fuel as possible to minimize the possibility of phase separation. Example: 500mls of water may cause phase separation in 100L of E10 but 500mls of water in 120L would be safe from phase separation.
* Install a Yamaha 10-micron water separating/fuel filter between the boat’s fuel tank and the engine.
* Change the 10-micron filter every 25 hours of use until there are no indications of excessive water and contaminates collecting in the filter. Normal filter changes are recommended every 50 hours of use.
* Carry extra filters and change more frequently if there are indications the efficiency of the filter is rapidly diminishing due to excessive water and contaminates.
* Buy brand name fuel.
* Buy fuel from the same source if possible.
* Buy fuel from stations that have newer, cleaner storage tanks.
* Do not drain a used filter and reinstall. Contaminated fuel can enter the filtered side of the filter while draining.

Can I use fuel with a higher percentage of ethanol, such as E15 or E85?

No, all of the negative issues discussed above will be increased and may cause major damage to the engine.


this all so from Yamaha

Will I cause any damage to my outboard if premium unleaded or high-energy fuels are used?

No. However, if you encounter any running problems as a result of using such fuels, change back to standard unleaded (91-93 ron).