ETHANOL IS HERE! There are a couple things to be aware of, so feel free to ask our staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Yamaha article on Ethanol
Grady White article on Ethanol
Ethanol Facts
- Switching to ethanol – Avoid mixing non-ethanol fuel. Try to lower your fuel level as low as possible before filling with ethanol. Most manufacturers recommend 5% old (conventional) fuel and 95% ethanol
- Risks – A well maintained fuel filtration system will greatly reduce contamination. Ethanol acts as a solvent and causes any water, dirt debris, or sludge build up in your fuel tank to mix with gas. If any of these items enter into your fuel system from the gas tank, it could clog filters quickly and even get into your engine. We recommend installing new fuel filters before changing to ethanol fuel. 10-micron fuel filters have been developed by many outboard engine manufacturers to aid in the filtration process. When using RFG (Reformulated Gasoline), it is recommended to change your filters more frequently than recommended. Prepare ahead and have a couple of fuel filters onboard.
- Fuel Additives – RFG has a shorter shelf life compared to normal gasoline. It has been reported than unused or uncirculated ethanol has a shelf life of only 90 days. It is important to add non-alcohol fuel stabilizers with every tank of fresh fuel. Vero Marine Center has a variety of fuel stabilizers and water absorbers.
- Long Term Storage – Your fuel tank should be kept as low as possible of properly stabilized fuel while in storage to minimize the amount of contact with air. This will prevent fuel spillage through the deck air vent as temperatures increase in the spring.
Here is an interview with your mechanic Jeff McClarnon on Ethanol. Watch this video and gain knowledge so you can be prepared!
http://www.myoutdoortv.com/show-microsite-fishing/florida-fishing-finatics.html
