E-10 Ethanol Fuel Problems

The gasoline we buy for our boats and cars is in the process of a major reformulation.  Ethanol, an alcohol derived primarily from corn, is both a domestically produced, and renewable fuel.  E-10 (10% ethanol) has become a critical component of our fuel infrastructure, but it requires better housekeeping, especially in the boating industry.  Ethanol is beginning to be phased into the fuel supply across the country.

The problem is all alcohols are hygroscopic.  That means it likes water, and it attracts and couples with moisture in the air, resulting in greater amounts of water collecting in the fuel tank.  Since water is heavier than gasoline, the water and ethanol mix settles to the bottom.  This is refered to as "phase separation", and eventually the water/ethanol phase is drawn into the fuel delivery system.  If there is no water seperator in the line, the water goes into the injector/carburetor and the engine does not run properly.  In extreme cases, the engine will stop running.  For automobiles, this is not a common problem in that the entire tank of fuel will most likely be used up within one week, well before a water/ethanol build up takes place.  Also, automobiles have smaller gas tanks, leaving less air space for condensation to accumulate.  Boats usually do not use up their fuel for many weeks, if not months, and their large gas tanks, when left low in fuel, readily form condensation.  This presents a problem for most boaters.

An additional problem boaters will face is loss of octane, which is critical to an engine's performance.  Ethanol is over 100+ octane, and provides the fuel with much of its octane rating.  Once water reaches about a 0.5% level, it will phase seperate.  With the ethanol drawn to the bottom along with the water, the fuel will lose octane, and this can cause a loss of performance, including engine knock, which can damage your engine.  It also severely worsens fuel economy and power.

There are other problems with E-10 fuel.  Ethanol is a powerful solvent and readily breaks up tars and organic sediment found in many marine fuel tanks.  The ethanol/water mix also makes a potent stripping agent for old varnish and gum accumulated from years of gasoline sitting in the tank.  These organic contaminants, once loosened from tank walls, can plug filters and injectors quickly, disabling your boat's engine.  In cold weather, the water/alcohol phase can also freeze, turning into a syrupy mix that plugs filters.

We recommend, all boaters use a marine fuel stabilizer at each and every fueling to help eliminate these problems.  Protect your investment!

CRC Marine Fuel Stabilizer

PREVENTS FUEL SEPERATION CAUSED BY ETHANOL and keeps stored gasoline fresh for easy starting next season and optimum performance year-round.  Protects against gum and resin build-up to prevent clogged injectors, carburetors, filters and fuel lines.  Protects internal engine components and fuel system from corrosion.

CRC Marine Fuel Stabilizer is available at Bluewater Boat Services and in stock year-round.  It is also the only fuel stabilizer we use when performing our winterizations.

CRC Marine Fuel Stabilizer is recommended at each and every fueling.