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Name:
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blmeanie
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Subject:
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engine/gas issue?
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Date:
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8/17/2010 7:55:21 PM
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I'll mention first, I am not mechanical and don't know exactly what I'm talking about and believe in stimulating the economy by paying for mechanics, builders, handymen, etc.
now, I haven't been able to use my boat as much as I would like this summer and with less activity comes less gas usage. I noticed the last couple times out in the boat that there was some occasional hesitation, especially at slightly higher RPM's than just cruising.
I recently read an article (lengthy and posted below) about the affect of ethanol on boats (cars too) and how infrequent use can magnify the issues as moisture has more time to work/connect with the ethanol and create (technical term warning) "gunk" that may or may not get pulled into the engine.
My question is : could some of my hesitation problem be due to not turning through tank after tank of fresh gas and ethanol related issues? Could one of the additives they mention in the article help?
Thanks in advance,
Article:
The Problems With Ethanol
In the spring and early summer of this year (2010), we at White Lake Marine
have experienced no less than an epidemic of boat owners complaining about
ethanol related fuel problems. These problems range from poor performance
due to hard starting, rough running, hesitation, and even stalling -- to clogged up
fuel filters and injectors, and also gummed up carburetors. In addition, more and
more customers are continuing to bring their boats in for repairs for the same
symptoms.
In the meanwhile, we have spent many hours researching this new dilemma
for our dealership and valued customers. Besides reading much material on the
subject, we have spoken at length with officials at Pleasure Craft Marine and
Indmar, well known manufacturers of marine engines. We have also consulted
with personnel at oil and gasoline distributors, including one terminal where
ethanol is actually blended with fuel. And last but not least, we have consulted
with personnel with the manufacturers of Sea Foam and Marine Sta-bil which are
special stabilizers for ethanol gasoline.
After doing the research and collecting facts and opinions from many different
sources, we have come to realize there are several common sense questions
that need to be answered. The following is a brief overview of these issues:
Why is ethanol just now becoming such a huge problem?
Prior to 2009, ethanol was not in all the fuel we use in many regions of the
southeastern United States. However, in the summer and fall of that year -- and
particularly in the first six months of this year -- all the gasoline distributors began
converting their stations over to ethanol fuels. Also, bear in mind that, thanks to
our politicians, there is no notification required by law unless more than ten
percent of ethanol is added to fuel. Even premium gas now has ethanol.
Unsuspecting boat owners purchased this ethanol blended fuel and stored
their boats for the winter. As it turns out, vehicles which sit for long periods of
time, such as boats, lawn mowers, weed eaters, tractors etc are more
susceptible to ethanol problems.
The reason is as follows:
Ethanol is a magnet for water. It attaches itself to water, whether from the
bottom of the tank where natural condensation has occurred, or even from the air
in the tank. Normally, water falls to the bottom where it is out of harms way until
it reaches an unsafe level. However, ethanol actually “pulls” the moisture out of
the air into the gasoline and suspends this water in the fuel, contaminating the
whole tank. Being suspended in the fuel, the engine is then burning a mixture of
gasoline and water -- all the time. Eventually, the ethanol separates from the
gasoline (phase separation) and falls to the bottom of the tank still attached to
the water, forming a “glob” of sticky material. When this substance accumulates
high enough in the tank, then the engine is drawing in pure ethanol and water --
stalling the engine.
Cars and trucks are generally used every day, and therefore, use up the
ethanol fuel in a more timely fashion, giving it less time to cause problems.
However, be sure it is in fact accumulating moisture in those tanks as well over a
longer period of time, and if allowed to accumulate, water can wreak havoc on
the entire fuel system.
Another potential problem exists with the gas stations:
Bear in mind that ethanol is very corrosive and attacks aluminum and
fiberglass tanks. It also attacks rubber fuel lines and other fuel system
components unless they were manufactured specifically for use with ethanol.
According to the oil and gas distributors we spoke with, they cleaned their station
tanks before adding ethanol fuels. However, it is true that some station owners
did not, and as a result, the new ethanol fuels scrubbed and scoured their tanks
free of old rust and accumulated debris. Then this loosened material actually
went into many vehicles causing much damage. We know of one person whom
this has already happened to, and reports of many others.
It is also noteworthy to mention that, due to the problems with ethanol, the oil
companies refuse to allow ethanol fuels to be pumped in their main pipelines.
They insist it be blended at the terminals where trucks are loaded for shipment to
gas stations. It is not good for the oil companies -- but it is fine for our vehicles.
Another potential problem with gas stations is the fact that whereas ethanol is
separating from fuel and collecting moister in our vehicles, it is also happening in
the tanks at the gas stations -- a fact you won’t hear much about. However, it is
common sense, as the same conditions exist in those underground tanks as
does in vehicle tanks. As long as the station owners are vigilant and check their
tanks on a frequent basis, and then pump out any ethanol and water collected on
the bottom, then perhaps all will be well. However, when left to accumulate to a
certain level, a concentration of water and ethanol is pumped into vehicles, again
causing much harm. One station attendant at a large Exxon station confided
they must check their tanks every day because of this very problem.
Other harmful effects of ethanol.
While the purpose of ethanol is supposedly to lessen our dependence on
foreign oil, and since it burns more cleanly due to its plant (non petroleum)
origins, it is also used as a less expensive method of boosting gasoline octane.
When the ethanol separates from gasoline, then the fuel looses its octane rating,
causing pinging or spark knocking in engines, again causing potential harm.
Also, ethanol is a dry fuel in that it scours the oil film from cylinder walls,
causing piston rings and other components to wear prematurely. Reports of
ethanol damage to engines are being made more frequently, and lawsuits are
becoming more common. A search on the internet for ethanol problems will give
pause for serious reflection. However, beware there are some websites that give
false information such as one which states that vehicles manufactured since
1970 can safely use ethanol. Don’t believe it -- as experience has proven
otherwise.
What can I do about the problem with ethanol?
Generally speaking, the gasoline distributors have left a few stores scattered
around that still have non-ethanol fuel. For our local customers, there is only one
in Elizabethtown and two country stores where farmers have specifically
requested non-ethanol fuel. The gasoline at White Lake Water Sports
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