LostinBoston

How is it worse for your boats fuel system? I know there are issues with fiberglass tanks, but averything else should be fine.

Reckless32

Hmmm, I wonder how they are getting around it, unless they were given more time to clean their tanks etc. to prep. Down here it was big news as all the facilities were *****in' about the expense of manadatory scrubbing out of tanks prior to the ethanol requirement May 1st, 2006 due to it's water intolerance etc.etc.

Still curious about this new report saying it might be even more toxic than it's predesessor?

Reckless32

The "primary" problem with boats is the tanks aren't emptied as frequently as automobiles hence the gas sits longer and phase separation sits in (meaning the Ethanol separates form the gas, and is also far less tolerant to moisture than the previous fuels). Plus in older pre-1993 or something like that, older boat's fuel lines and fiberglass tanks will essentially melt and leak unlike newer boat's improved fuel line materials. Throw in bad gas and you've got for instance boost pump failures (I had two last year), potential clogged fuel injectors form sludge if the boat sits for long periods with no preservative etc. etc.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Old map:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/rfg/whereyoulive.htm

Gizmo

The city of Petersburg is a no ethanol area. If anyone is concerned about getting ethanol free gas for the Jamin' on the James Poker Run.
The other issue with the ethanol additive, is it's ability to attract moisture. The moisture in an aluminum tank causes the aluminum to oxidate. The oxidation crystals clog the pick-up tube filter (sock), which in turn starves the engine/engines of gas.
I also read that the ethanol attacks the resins in the fiberglass tanks, causing it to break down and mix with the gas. It then solidifies again during combustion, leaving deposits on the pistons and the valve train. Not a good thing......

LostinBoston

Both of which can be fixed though with new tanks. it is a PITA but sometimes you have to evolve with the times. The ethanol itself is not causing any damage to the engines.