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  1. #1
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    Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel

    I received the following from a government accounts manager from Mercury Marine. There has been a lot of "hear say" and speculation regarding the recent additions of ethanol into our fuel and it's effects on our outboards. I figured some may be interested in reading this if it has not already been posted somewhere. Although I run a Yamaha, I thought some Merc owners may appreciate the read.


    Chip,

    This should pretty much answer all of your questions on Ethanol.

    Mercury Marine remains very active in developing a thorough understanding of important issues and environments in which our products must operate. Mercury’s engineers work constantly to expand our understanding of fuel technologies and their interactions with all Mercury products to ensure they perform properly and reliably. Mercury personnel work in concert with industry groups, such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), to offer input into the overall processes by which many decisions are made regarding fuel regulations and energy policies so future problems are minimized and future developments are beneficial to those who utilize our products.

    Included below is a list of questions and answers that address typical concerns of consumers.

    Please feel free to contact any Mercury Marine field representative with questions, or contact us at public.relations@mercmarine.com. Mercury will do its best to help find answers, whether you’re seeking general information or wishing to discuss legal proposals, or if you’re seeking information regarding ethanol-tolerant materials.

    1. What are ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels?
    Ethanol for fuel is highly refined beverage (grain) alcohol, approximately 200 proof, that can be produced from natural products such as corn, sugar cane and wheat. New technology will allow ethanol to be made from “cellulosic” feedstocks including corn stalks, grain straw, paper, pulp, wood chips, municipal waste, switchgrass and other sources. Ethanol used for fuel has been “denatured,” or rendered unsafe to drink by the addition of a hydrocarbon (usually gasoline). The ethanol-blended fuel E-10 refers to fuel that contains 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Similarly, E-85 refers to fuel that contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E-85 is intended only for engines specially designed to accept high-ethanol content fuel blends, such as the Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) made by some car companies.

    2. How is ethanol made?
    In the U.S., ethanol is typically produced by removing the starch or sugar portion of corn and fermenting it. The fermented starch is then distilled into alcohol. Excess water is removed, resulting in very pure – 200 proof – ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
    In some parts of the world, ethanol is made from a variety of raw materials. For example, sugar cane is used to produce ethanol in Brazil, while sugar beets and wheat straw are commonly used in Europe.
    3. What are the characteristics of ethanol?
    Ethanol is an oxygenated hydrocarbon compound that has a high octane rating and therefore is useful in increasing the octane level of unleaded gasoline. The EPA, the agency responsible for setting some of the requirements for all gasoline used in the U.S., has allowed the use of ethanol in gasoline at levels up to 10 percent as an octane enhancer and to provide beneficial clean-burning combustion characteristics that help improve some emissions.
    Ethanol is hygroscopic (it has an attraction for water) and will more readily mix with water than with gasoline. It has different solvency behaviors than does gasoline, which allows it to loosen rust and debris that might lay undisturbed in fuel systems. And it can more readily remove plasticizers and resins from certain plastic materials that might not be affected by gasoline alone. Loose debris will plug filters and can interfere with engine operation. Additionally, ethanol is corrosive to some metals, especially in combination with water. Although gasoline does not conduct electricity well, ethanol has an appreciable capability to conduct electricity and therefore can promote galvanic corrosion.
    4. What is MTBE and why is it being replaced?
    MTBE is the chemical shorthand description for methyl tertiary-butyl ether. MTBE is another oxygenated hydrocarbon compound that has a high octane rating. It was initially a preferred compound widely used for octane enhancement as a replacement for leaded compounds in gasoline. When the EPA developed regulations requiring oxygenated gasoline to help reduce smog in several areas of the country, MTBE was the most commonly used compound to supply the additional oxygen, while ethanol was chosen for this purpose in the Midwest region of the country. Recently, most states have banned the use of MTBE because of its tendency to work its way into ground water systems, usually from leaks and spills, as an undesirable contaminant. Ethanol is being used as a replacement.

    5. Does ethanol affect horsepower or fuel-efficiency?
    Ethanol has a heating value of 76,000 BTU per gallon, which is approximately 30 percent less than gasoline’s heating value (which is approximately 109,000 to 119,000 BTU/gal). The result is E-10 gasoline which should yield slightly lower mileage – a decrease of approximately 3 percent. Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol will have a corresponding reduction in mileage. For example, E85 fuels produce mileage approximately 30 percent less than gasoline.
    The octane rating of pure ethanol (200 proof) is about 100 and is therefore useful in elevating the octane value of gasoline. In E-10 blends the presence of ethanol provides about 2.5 to 3 percent of the overall octane rating. The effect on engine horsepower is determined by the octane result of the blended fuel. Care should be taken to select fuels having the octane rating recommended for the engine as indicated in the owner’s manual for proper operation.
    Compatibility with Mercury Engines
    6. Are Mercury engines compatible with ethanol fuels?
    The fuel-system components of Mercury engines will withstand up to 10 percent alcohol content in gasoline – the maximum level currently allowed by the EPA in the U.S. There are some efforts to establish E-20 (20 percent ethanol mixed with 80 gasoline) for use in some areas, but that will require agreement from EPA to grant a waiver. Part of the EPA waiver process will require verification from studies that demonstrate that higher levels of ethanol do not create problems with fuel-system materials or operation of hardware. E-20 has not been extensively studied by Mercury and is not acceptable for use in Mercury products. E-85 fuels must not be used in any Mercury engines and could seriously damage current Mercury products. It is not legal in the U.S. to market any ethanol fuel as gasoline if it contains more than 10 percent ethanol.
    7. Will the use of fuels containing ethanol void my engine warranty?
    Fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Mercury engines. Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol are not considered acceptable for use, and the use of fuels containing ethanol higher than 10 percent can void the warranty.

    8. What about the fuel-system components on the boat?
    It is important to follow boat manufacturers’ recommendations when selecting appropriate fuels. Use of an inappropriate fuel can result in damage to the engine and boat components that may require repair or replacement. Fuels with ethanol can attack some fuel-system components, such as tanks and lines, if they are not made from acceptable ethanol-compatible materials. This can lead to operational problems or safety issues such as clogged filters, leaks or engine damage.
    9. Can ethanol-blended fuels affect the performance of two-stroke engines?
    Two-stroke outboards should experience little or no decrease in performance due to gasoline fuels containing up to 10-percent ethanol when operated according to Mercury’s standard recommendations. When gasoline with ethanol is used for the first time after a fuel changeover from MTBE, the tank must be completely dry prior to introduction of gasoline with ethanol. Otherwise, phase separation could occur that could cause filter plugging or damage to the engine. If an engine is a 1990 or older model frequent inspections of all fuel-system components are advised to identify any signs of leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion. If any sign of leakage or deterioration is observed, replacement of the affected components is required before further operation.
    10. How does ethanol affect my fiberglass fuel tank?
    Fiberglass tanks manufactured prior to 1991 may not be compatible with gasoline containing ethanol. It has been reported that, in the presence of ethanol, some resins may be drawn out of fiberglass and carried into the engine where severe damage could occur. If an older fiberglass tank is used, check with the manufacturer to determine if gasoline with ethanol can be safely used.
    11. Are older fuel lines prone to failure? What about gaskets?
    During the 1980s, many rubber components for use in fuel systems were developed to withstand exposure to fuels containing ethanol. If rubber components in a fuel system are suspected to be of this vintage or older it may be advisable to replace them with newer ethanol-safe components before using fuels containing ethanol. Check with the manufacturer for advice or frequently inspect these fuel-system components for signs of swelling or deterioration and replace if problems are noted.

    Recommended Practices

    12. Ethanol is replacing MTBE in my region? What should I do?

    Before gasoline with ethanol is introduced to your fuel tank, ask your boat manufacturer if any special precautions should be considered with the use of fuel containing ethanol. Check for the presence of water in the fuel tank. If any is found, remove all water and dry the tank completely. As a precaution, it is advisable to carry a few extra filters in case filter plugging becomes a problem during boating.

    13. Should I add an additional fine-micron filter to the system to prevent debris from entering the engine?

    The addition of another filter to the system will create another possible flow restriction that can starve the engine of fuel. Mercury already provides the appropriate level of filtration to protect the engine from debris.

    14. How can a marina prepare for the change from MTBE to ethanol as the fuel oxygenate?

    Check with the manufacturer to make certain the tank and lines won’t experience problems with ethanol. Inspect the tank for water and, if present, pump out all water and thoroughly clean the tank. Install ethanol-compatible filters. The tank should be less than 20 percent full before adding the first load of fuel with ethanol.

    15. What is phase separation, and how do I deal with it?

    If significant amounts of water are present in a fuel tank with gasoline that contains ethanol, the water will be drawn into the fuel until the saturation point is reached for the three-component mixture of water + gasoline + ethanol. Beyond this level of water, phase separation could cause most of the ethanol and water to separate from the bulk fuel and drop to the bottom of the tank, leaving gasoline with a significantly reduced level of ethanol in the upper phase (see Figure 1 below). If the lower phase of water and ethanol is large enough to reach the fuel inlet, it could be pumped directly to the engine and cause significant problems. Even if the ethanol water phase at the bottom of the tank is not drawn into the fuel inlet, the reduced ethanol level of the fuel reduces the octane rating by as much as 3 octane numbers, which could result in engine problems.

    The level at which phase separation can occur is determined by a number of variables, including the amount of ethanol, the composition of the fuel, the temperature of the environment and the presence of contaminants. It is very important (A) that the system is inspected for significant quantities of water in the tank before using gasoline with ethanol and (B) to limit exposure of the fuel tank to excess water. If phase separation has occurred, it is necessary to completely remove all free water from the system and replace the fuel before continuing operation. Otherwise, engine problems could occur.



    Figure 1: Sample of fuel from fuel tank in which phase separation
    has occurred. The upper phase is gasoline with a reduced level
    of ethanol. The lower level is a mixture of ethanol and water.

    16. Is an additive available that can prevent phase separation?

    There is no practical additive that can prevent phase separation from occurring. The only practical solution is to keep water from accumulating in the tank in the first place.

    17. Are there any additives that can allow the phase-separated mixture to remix when added to the fuel tank?

    No, the only way to avoid further problems is to remove the water, dispose of the depleted fuel, clean the tank and start with a fresh, dry load of fuel.


    18. Is there a simple solution to water condensation in the tank as a result of ethanol?

    It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the engine is not in use. This will reduce the void space above the fuel and will reduce the flow of air in and out of the tank with changes in temperature. This will reduce condensation on the internal walls of the tank and will limit exposure of the ethanol in the fuel to humidity and condensation.

    19. What should be done when storing boats with ethanol-blended fuels for extended periods?

    When preparing to store a boat for extended periods of two months or more, it is best to completely remove all fuel from the tank. If it is difficult or not possible to remove the fuel, maintaining a full tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer added to provide fuel stability and corrosion protection is recommended. A partially full tank is not recommended because the void space above the fuel allows air movement that can bring in water through condensation as the temperature cycles up and down. This condensation potentially becomes a problem. Mercury Marine Fuel System Treatment & Stabilizer can help maintain fuel systems in storage. It contains oxidation inhibitors to reduce oxidation and gum formation, metal chelating agents to protect metal components from corrosion, water absorbing agents to reduce the presence of free water, and dispersants to help suspend and disperse debris. It is best used by adding to the tank at the recommended dosage, running the engine for 10 minutes to allow the system to be cleaned, shutting off the fuel valve to interrupt the fuel supply and allow the engine to run until it stops, topping off the tank until it’s full, and capping any openings to reduce the amount of exchange with the air that might bring in condensation.
    - end -


  2. Member
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    #2
    Man i hope they don't go there. ethanol burns faster, correct? I know here in pa they have an ethanol plant and station, bu the chevy's that can use it get the same gas mileage anyway, so whats the deal? It was 2.39/gallon


    \"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.\"
    - General George Patton (1885-1945)




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    #3

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    Thanks skeetersx200. Lots of good information in this report. Answers allot of question being asked here.





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    #4

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    Excellent read. Thanks a million....answers all the questions I had. This thread should be "tacked" for referral, Mr. Moderator.


    \'02 Javelin 200DC
    \'02 Merc 225 EFI

  5. Member midnytlady's Avatar
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    #5

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    Thanks Skeeters, I guess what they are saying is avoid ethanol blended fuel, but you really can't, so its alright to use if you must Just be careful
    Mary

  6. I came on Eileen Dbl00CustomBaits's Avatar
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    #6

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (midnytlady)

    Good Read!!

  7. Member
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    #7

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (Dbl00CustomBaits)

    "Man i hope they don't go there. ethanol burns faster, correct? I know here in pa they have an ethanol plant and station, bu the chevy's that can use it get the same gas mileage anyway, so whats the deal? It was 2.39/gallon"

    Its much cheaper in some places, it all depends on how much margin a gas station has to put on it, to make any money carrying it right now. I'm not sure on this but I would say distributors are getting E85 for around 1.00/gallon

    Art Carney - Licking the mops at Porcini's since 2009.

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    #8

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (buzzking2001)

    Starbright came out with a product called Star tron thats supposed to help eliminate water problems caused by the new gas being sold...

    http://www.starbrite.com/whats...6.pdf

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    #9

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (gguerry)




    Modified by western angler at 2:05 PM 8/4/2007

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    #10

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (western angler)

    New stuff out called E-ZORB that is supost to help with this E-10 fuel.



    Pat
    05 Triton Tr20X 225 OptiMax

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    #11

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    as a dealer we are recommending all engines have the spin on fuel filter seperators and to change the filters more often. it will help as the ethanol fuel will attract water as it seperates. instead of changing the filter 1 time a year for maintenance change it two or three times a year. the longer the fuel sits the more likely to seperate. also recommend carry a sapare filter and wrench in the boat! might keep you from being stranded.
    Missouri already has the fuel (mandetory)

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    #12

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (rangercat)

    Ethanol fuels burn slower and ibcreased octane, hence more timing could be added to the engine for both reasons..

    As for the filters, If anyone starts using E-10 in their tanks I would change the filters a few times on the first few tanks. Ethanol is a cleaning agent, any contaminants that are in the tank/lines will enter the filter and plug them. Plugged filters will make the engine run lean causing major engine damage.

    I myself do not know a whole lot about EFI outboards or carbed motors, but if I did and I could bump the fuel pressure and add timing I would not have a problem running E-85 in these motors.

    I know a little bit about E-85 on the automotive end of things a little bit. I currently have a twin turboed Mustang converted over to E-85 putting out a sh*tload of power...

  13. Old Scout Lpolk's Avatar
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    #13

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    A very informational piece. You learn something every day. Thank's
    IBEW

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    #14

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (skeetersx200)

    save the corn for cows and chickens, ethanol is a rediculous solution what a f-in joke! the process to refine ethanol causes more damage to the enviornment than any 100 percent gas or diesel engine emissions or refinement could produce, and its damageing our motors, you think the ethanol producers will stand behind all the problems it causes for engines that arent used on a regular basis, like boat, atv, and any small engines? it all goes back to law makers and whos putting money in their pockets like I said WHAT A JOKE!

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    #15

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (08skeeternicc)

    Mecury Marine recommends using stabilizer, but does it not contain alcohol? Added more alcohol to E10 doesn't seem like a good idea. I get a different take from everyone I talk to on how to take necessary precautions when using and storing E10. Some people recommend not to use any gas additives at all. I am not sure that Quickleen doesn't contain alcohol, I know a lot of people are using it.

    What about Sta-bil's marine stabilizer formulated to work with ethanol?

    Can someone set me straight here?

  16. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #16

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (buscat1)

    According to Mercury's MSDS sheets:

    Part #92-858071K01/Q01 Fuel system treatment-stabilizer does not contain alcohol.

    Part #92-858073K01/Q01 Quickleen does not contain alcohol.

    These products were reformulated in 2006, and confusion has occurred as people are either using "old product" (different part number that may contain alcohol) or are reading the wrong MSDS sheet (again, wrong part number).

    Hope this helps to clear it up.....




    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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    #17

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (EuropeanAM)

    EuropeanAM thanks for setting me straight...my dealer gave me a complimentary package with Opti oil and some Quickleen. It appears the Quickleen is pre 2006.

    I called Mercury head office and asked about my DFI Opti oil (92-877694K1) only to find out that my part number has been replaced by 92-858037K01. I am not sure if they just change part numbers like underwear or if this new oil part number has been reformulated for new engines? Do you know if this stuff is ok to run in my 08 Opti?

  18. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #18

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (buscat1)

    As I understand it, the DFI formula has not changed in any significant way. There was a bottle design change.... which accounts for the part number difference. Newer, easier to pour bottles which are packaged in smaller, easier to carry and store cases.



    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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    #19

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (EuropeanAM)

    Is it true that a 05 optimax takes a differen't DFI oil than the 08's. thanks

  20. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #20

    Re: Mercurys take on Ethanol blended fuel (jrock)

    NO (if we are talking about standard production motors, NOT a PROXS).



    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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