| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Water Loves Ethanol but Neither Love Boat Engines
State law requires all gasoline retailers in northwesternOregon to phase in fuel with 10 percent ethanol, or E10, and by the fall, all gas stations in Oregon will sell the blend. This is great news for the environment, but there’s a catch for boaters…and it’s not the fish kind. Ethanol is a solvent and will loosen sludge in your tank and fuel lines, clogging fuel filters, carburetors and injectors. Also, ethanol absorbs water extremely well, which is a problem because boat tanks are vented outside. Boat owners need to take preventative measures before the season gets underway to make sure their boat operates without a hitch.
PRECAUTIONS FOR BOAT OWNERS FOR THE SWITCH TO E10
· Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat’s fuel system at all times. This is recommended for engines that sit for more than a few weeks.
· The more use the boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems.
· If you winterize your boat and don’t plan on using it for a while, run the tank down to almost empty and then add fuel stabilizer. Then, the following spring, refill the tank with fresh gasoline. OR keep the tank full to prevent any condensation from occurring. It’s important to avoid water intrusion into your fuel system.
· Install a water-separating fuel filter.
· Keep a stock of spare fuel filters handy, and the means for safely changing them.
· Replace older weather-faded plastic portable tanks with new tanks.
· Make sure you know what your fuel retailer is dispensing.
· Rubber fuel lines older than the mid-to-late 1980’s should be inspected and may need to be replaced.
· Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning. Consult the engine manufacturer for details.
For more detailed information about E10 and boat engines, visit www.boatoregon.com.
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