Ethanol Fuel Mixtures linked to Engine and Fuel Tank Failures

Excerpts from an article in Sea Chest by Ted Foltyn

Is the gasoline you put in your yacht destroying your fuel tanks and putting your engine at risk?

The EPA requires the addition
of an oxygenate to gasoline to reduce exhaust emissions. The most commonadditive, MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether) is now being banned in many places and replaced by ethanol, first in heavily populated urban areas and now broadly by many states.

Recently it has been discovered that gasoline containing ethanol has been linked to the failure of older fiberglass tanks. Evidence suggests tanks manufactured prior to the mid-1980’s may face the most risk.

Symptoms of problems that may result from ethanol-related complications include engines running rough or hot, sluggish or hard starts, stalling, clogged fuel systems, fuel leaks and more.

Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage
Quick Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage:

• Slower speeds on the water will reduce fuel usage.
• Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds.
• Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock
• Minimize the use of onboard generators.
• Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
• Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.
• Make sure the hull is clean.
• Don’t under-power your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the load.
• Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
• A well-tuned engine uses less fuel. • Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.
• Visit DiscoverBoating.com for more helpful tips on reducing fuel usage.