Mandate On Fuel

[Frantic]

Noticed in todays paper something about a goverment mandate that starts in december on all standard unleaded fuel having 10% ethanol ,we all know what ethanol does to fibreglass , hoses and tanks,but anyone running good old 2 stroke's running standard unleaded on their trailerboat will be in trouble i think, it also said most marinas will still have standard unleaded but petrol stations wont, whats going on .

[bisso]

i read a similar article back in Dec 08. all regular unleaded is to be replaced by E10 by end of 2011. that means you buy E10 or premium unleaded. you can thank the elected pollies for that... hope E10 doesn't end up in outboard fuel tanks... looks like is premium fuel as the only choice. as long as it doesnt cost you an arm and a leg.

[Big dog]

I dont think premium to good for the older motors either, I run a 2000 85hp yamaha, ive been told to run the standard unleaded

[wrxhoon1]

I dont think premium to good for the older motors either, I run a 2000 85hp yamaha, ive been told to run the standard unleaded

Premium will be fine as long as they don't put ethonol in that as well at some later stage .

[pelican]

most fuels including prem have some ethanol as it is the easiest way to get the octane. Premium has issues with non airtight tanks as it has very light volatile components. They evaporate off very quickly and oxidise if not in a sealed container. Hence the shelf life of premium is not real good. Premium used fast will be OK for a lot of modern motors but stale premuim is a nasty concoction to run through a motor. All the cars now have airtight tanks and a one way breather system to stop the volitile elements escaping. This will not be easy to do with boats with in built tanks and premium is not good if water gets in it. I hope there is a few articles on fuel in the next year and maybe some stations other than rip off marinas supply normal unleaded perhaps with a stabiliser already in it for tank life. Trust Dálbora to order good fuel if they get a monopoly - I won't as I will always be running some older motors

More needs to be found out and the BIA and so on should be concerned about looking after all their clients with old motors.

Edited March 8, 2009 by pelican

[WANNAFISH]

Enthanol will retain moisture. The higher the ethanol rating the higher the moisture it will hold. And plus ethanol will eat thru rubber fuel lines and diaphragms on fuel pump if the ethanol mixture is higher than what its supposed to be and this rubber parts would have to be modified to suit this fuel extender.

Edited March 8, 2009 by WANNAFISH

[pelican]

Add to that that Ethanol is not ecconomic without govt subsidies and not very environmental in many way but I guess some think it will buy them some green votes and avoid coal solar and nuclear discussions

Ethanol is corrosive after it is mixed with water and although the modern motors say they are happy to run on tit they are still experiencing early replacements of metal ( pitting) and rubber / plastic / nitrile parts compared to standard fuel even without water in it during factory tests for cars. Doesn't happen in warranty periods so car makers don't really care and acid sitting in a carby bowl won'"t be good

Wish motor makers could be honest about the extra cost and maintainance ethanol fuels will cost consumers even on the latest motors compared to normal fuel let alone the HP loss , fuel consumption, less endurance per tank and oil mixing issues.

[diver1]

i accidently put e10 in my 2002 model 115hp yamaha, it was only 15 litres and its about a 80 to a 100 litre tank, will it be alright?

[lighthouse2k]

It'll be fine. Just try and get through the tank as soon as you can.

Chris