Thread: Ethanol: It Is Time To Be Heard !

Another bump up.

Someone told me that the only boat motors being affected by the use of ethanol are the ones with fiberglass tanks. Is this right or wrong? I dont know much about the topic but would like to learn. I agree with the supporting of having a voice against anything that does damage or hinders fishermen.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. The fermentation of sugar into ethanol is one of the earliest organic reactions employed by humanity. Ethanol intended for industrial use is also produced from by-products of petroleum refining. Ethanol has widespread use as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavorings, colorings, and medicines. In chemistry, it is both an essential solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. It has a long history as a fuel for heat and light and also as a fuel for internal combustion engines.

Why is Ethanol being used?

Ethanol is being used as a replacement for MTBE, a component of gasoline that has been banned in many states because of health concerns. It is also being used to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Commonly, Ethanol is blended with gas to produce a 10% Ethanol mixture referred to as E10 fuel. Ethanol has a very corrosive nature and no tolerance for water. Ethanol is added at the tank truck just before delivery and the same truck that goes to the corner gas station also goes to the marina. Federal mandates for producers to use a certain amount of Ethanol continues to rise.

How Ethanol affects non-frequently used engines

Ethanol is a powerful solvent. It vigorously cleans any engine's fuel system. Engine fuel systems that have never been subjected to Ethanol will suffered serve adverse affects that can produce complete failure of the engine.

Examples of non-frequently used engines (off road) are: lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, tractors, generators, ATVs, snow mobiles, boats, jet skis, small planes......the list goes on and on.

Marine engines used in boats and jet skis are the most at risk for Ethanol damage. Why? These "off road" vehicles have what is referred to as an "open air ventilation system." What this mean is the fuel tank is vented to the outside and is subject to the atmosphere. "Over the road" vehicles utilize a "closed re-burn" system. The open air ventilation system allows containments and moisture to enter the system. In most cases, water is formed in the fuel tank which is filtered out via a "fuel water separator" before the fuel gets to the engine.

Boats equipped with fiberglass fuel tanks are at a higher risk. Again, Ethanol is a power solvent. There are thousands of cases where boats with fiberglass fuel tanks were disabled due to the Ethanol "eating" the tank. There are Class Action Lawsuits in many states between boaters and the Ethanol Producers of America. Ethanol can also eat many plastics and rubber.

Ethanol only has a 15 day shelf-life at which time it begins to lose its octane. Traditional fuel stabilizers cannot be used because they themselves contain alcohol and will only enhance the damage that Ethanol will cause. Ethanol absorbs water quickly and as little as .5% water will cause a phase separation. A water/Ethanol mixture, being heavier than gas, will sit at the bottom of the fuel tank, leaving a lower octane gas on top. This sludge that sits in the bottom of the fuel tank is sucked up through the engines fuel system, cleaning and eating everything in its path. The lower octane fuel that is on top of the sludge can cause performance issues with four stroke engines, but can cause massive damage with two stroke engines due to the creation of a "lean condition." In addition, two stroke engines can be damaged if a quantity of water/Ethanol is burned since the proper lubricating oil won’t be present. Keeping water out of your tank is important, but nearly impossible.

Another problem with Ethanol comes from mixing fuel with MTBE and fuel with ethanol, especially in the presence of water. This chemical sludge is creates a white gel-like substance that clogs filters, fuel pumps, carburetors and fuel injectors. Replaced filters, replacing fuel lines and massive repair bills are the result.

How Ethanol affects your car

Have you noticed that your car feels a little sluggish lately? Have you noticed that your fuel mileage has gone down? Welcome to the fabulous world of E10 fuel. Ethanol has a lower BTU rating; therefore, you will not get the same power as you did from regular fuel. Because of this reduction in power, your mileage will decrease which in turn causes your car to burn more fuel. Such much for Ethanol being our savior. How can it be better for us if you have to buy MORE of it and watch our grocery prices go up because of the rising cost of corn! If you don't believe what we are saying, go fill up your car with real gas and make note of the power and mileage, then do it again with E10. The proof is there folks.

How can I tell if I am purchasing Ethanol?

Unfortunately in the state of North Carolina, you can't. Fuel distributors are not required to post the percentage of Ethanol fuel they are selling. Who regulates the percentage and who is responsible for quality testing to ensure the blend is correct? No one. This all needs to change.

What can I do?

You can read more on this site and become a member of the North Carolina Off Road Fuel Coalition (NCORFC.)