R
Retired Team Member1
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Hi Everyone, We recently saw a question regarding E85 fuel for marine use. We thought you might find this information from a recent Yamaha Technical Bulletin useful.
"Yamaha engines have been calibrated to run on E10 as well as straight gasoline, but that doesn't eliminate serious fuel system problems with ethanol. Most E10 issues are related to the effects ethanol has on a boat's fuel system. Specifically, ehtanol has hygroscopic (attraction to moisture) properties. This increases the risk of fuel system corrosion. What's more, ethanol cleans existing varnish and debris from the fuel system, which is good until you realize that this debris flushes downstream to the carburetors, VSTs and fuel injectors. So, what about E15? At 15% ethanol, E15 has 50% more of the trouble-causing ethanol than E10. Increasing ethanol that much will only increase clogging issues, particulary in older boats. Also, ethanol does not contain as much energy per unit as gasoline. As the amount of ethanol increases, the amount of energy per unit of fuel will decrease. This may cause some engines to run lean."
"Yamaha has been advising customers since the late 1980s that the maximum allowable amount of ethanol recommended is 10%. Also use the recommended fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner for your engine. Both are designed to combat the negative effects of ethanol-blended fuels."
Wow, that was a bunch of typing, hope you appreciate it! Bottom line, use a stabilizer and find pure gasoline whenever possible! For more information, please go to your engine maker's website.
"Yamaha engines have been calibrated to run on E10 as well as straight gasoline, but that doesn't eliminate serious fuel system problems with ethanol. Most E10 issues are related to the effects ethanol has on a boat's fuel system. Specifically, ehtanol has hygroscopic (attraction to moisture) properties. This increases the risk of fuel system corrosion. What's more, ethanol cleans existing varnish and debris from the fuel system, which is good until you realize that this debris flushes downstream to the carburetors, VSTs and fuel injectors. So, what about E15? At 15% ethanol, E15 has 50% more of the trouble-causing ethanol than E10. Increasing ethanol that much will only increase clogging issues, particulary in older boats. Also, ethanol does not contain as much energy per unit as gasoline. As the amount of ethanol increases, the amount of energy per unit of fuel will decrease. This may cause some engines to run lean."
"Yamaha has been advising customers since the late 1980s that the maximum allowable amount of ethanol recommended is 10%. Also use the recommended fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner for your engine. Both are designed to combat the negative effects of ethanol-blended fuels."
Wow, that was a bunch of typing, hope you appreciate it! Bottom line, use a stabilizer and find pure gasoline whenever possible! For more information, please go to your engine maker's website.
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