FishNotWork
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2012
- Messages
- 42
Just bought a nice used boat in great condition. It's a 2006 16' Smokercraft with a 40hp Mercury outboard - nice little boat.
The previous owner (nice guy) had just sent me this in an email as an FYI:
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E-15 Fuel Approved, Boaters Beware
by: Dan Swanson 4/4/2012
I warned about this over a year ago. I hoped it wouldn't happen but the EPA is now allowing up to 15% ethanol additive in gasoline. It may not be a problem in cars that are only a few years old but outboard motors on boats do have a problem.
From the press release "E15 is not permitted for use in motor vehicles built prior to 2001 model year and in off-road vehicles and equipment such as boats and lawn and garden equipment. Gas pumps dispensing E15 will be clearly labeled so consumers can make the right choice."
Mercury Outboards did testing for the US Department of Energy on the Verado and EFI engines. 2 out of 3 of them failed when tested with E-15. Damaged valves and bearing failure were the result. Yamaha Here is the full report.
So, when you fill up. Be sure you read the pump label. If it's E15 buy your gas somewhere else.
Here's a useful site that lists places that currently sell non-ethanol fuel. It's stored in the bookmarks on my phone.
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The problem is that Ethanol-free fuel is a rarity now (thanks to wonderful EPA)... there are only 6 gas stations in the whole state of CO that provide true gas. Should I be concerned about using 91 grade premium from any old pump?
I should also say that it's a 4-stroke EFI engine and there is a Racor fuel filter with water separator in-line the fuel supply line....
James in Denver
The previous owner (nice guy) had just sent me this in an email as an FYI:
=============================================================
E-15 Fuel Approved, Boaters Beware
by: Dan Swanson 4/4/2012
I warned about this over a year ago. I hoped it wouldn't happen but the EPA is now allowing up to 15% ethanol additive in gasoline. It may not be a problem in cars that are only a few years old but outboard motors on boats do have a problem.
From the press release "E15 is not permitted for use in motor vehicles built prior to 2001 model year and in off-road vehicles and equipment such as boats and lawn and garden equipment. Gas pumps dispensing E15 will be clearly labeled so consumers can make the right choice."
Mercury Outboards did testing for the US Department of Energy on the Verado and EFI engines. 2 out of 3 of them failed when tested with E-15. Damaged valves and bearing failure were the result. Yamaha Here is the full report.
So, when you fill up. Be sure you read the pump label. If it's E15 buy your gas somewhere else.
Here's a useful site that lists places that currently sell non-ethanol fuel. It's stored in the bookmarks on my phone.
=============================================================
The problem is that Ethanol-free fuel is a rarity now (thanks to wonderful EPA)... there are only 6 gas stations in the whole state of CO that provide true gas. Should I be concerned about using 91 grade premium from any old pump?
I should also say that it's a 4-stroke EFI engine and there is a Racor fuel filter with water separator in-line the fuel supply line....
James in Denver
