Tips About Boating Fuel System Additives & Gas Treatment Products

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1) Ethanol fuel

2) Fuel additives

1)�Ethanol 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.

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.

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.

Are Mercury engines compatible with ethanol fuels?

The fuel-system components of Mercury engines will withstand up to 10 percent ethanol 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Follow the instructions for normal storage preparation found in the owner�s manual or operations guide. 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.

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.

2) FACTS ABOUT FUEL SYSTEM ADDITIVES AND TREATMENTS

Reprint From www.fuel-testers.com 04-06-09

The purpose of this page is familiarize consumers regarding the presence of alcohol and/or water-absorbing properties of many gas additive products.

Below is a list of selected Fuel System Additive and Gas Treatment Products that may be used by engine owners to prevent, improve or correct fuel system issues.

Now that E10 gas has widespread distribution, many products which once were safe when used in conventional non-alcohol fuel, may now pose unnecessary risks and danger to engines running on ethanol blend renewable fuels.

Ethanol alcohol, used for oxygenating E10 and E85 fuel, is a solvent, cleanser, antifreeze, readily absorbs water - Many fuel system treatment products have the same exact properties.

There are many alternative names for alcohol and ethanol compounds.

Carefully review ALL ingredients of fuel treatment products before use.

Review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for ingredient details

REVIEW Gas Treatment Products/Additives:

Fuel System Cleansers

Gumout Winter Fuel Injector Cleaner contains isopropanol alcohol 30-50%, plus detergent mixture, petroleum distillate(s) and trade secret formula. Notes: Product page states to use with every fill-up, but does not advise that will increase alcohol content over 10% when used in E10 gas.

Mercury Marine Fuel System Cleaner contains 15% isopropanol alcohol and napha solvent. (Equal to a .03% increase in alcohol per gallon.)

CD2 Engine Tuneup contains methanol (60-70%), Isopropanol (20-30%), 2-Butoxyethanol (10-20%) and Diacetone alcohol (10-20%). (Equal to a .75% to .8% increase in alcohol per gallon.)

Octane Enhancers

Turbo Octane Boost 108 (North American Oil Co. and Blue Magic Company) ingredient list includes only Methanol and t-Butyl alcohol.

Gasoline Fuel Stabilizers

StaBil Fuel Stabilizer: Gold eagle Co. Proprietary or trade secret ingredient(s) and hydrotreated light naphthenic distillate solvent extract (mineral oil).

PRI-G and PRI-D: Power Research Inc.

Primary ingredient = Shellsol D60 (Shell Gas Company). A hydrocarbon solvent. See Shellsol description below. Also contains amines and organic dispersants. Risk of attracting and absorbing water = Very Low - Insoluble in water.

Neutra Fuel Stabilizer: Schaeffer Mfg. Company

Primary ingredient = N-Butyl Alcohol. Also contains cresylic acid...

Risk of attracting and absorbing water = High.

Fuel Conditioners

Evinrude BRP/OMC 2+4 Fuel Conditioner contains 95% alcohol. MSDS includes information supporting product is not appropriate for use in alcohol blends of fuel, E10. For example MSDS states, "Soluble in water"..."Incompatibility (Material to Avoid) Strong Oxidizing agents...", etc.

Fuel-Testers Note: Ethanol is a "strong oxidizing agent" used to oxygenate gasoline. 2+4 is manufactured by Gold Eagle Co.

Gas Treatment Products

STP Oxygenated Gas Treatment - Most STP gas treatment products contain naphthalene - solvent naphtha, petroleum distillates, stoddard solvent, trimethylbenzenes (mixed isomers), trade secret ingredient, and other similar type chemicals.

K100 G Marine Gas Treatment, K100 MD, K100 MG, and other similar K-100 products: Kinetic Laboratories Inc.

Primary ingredients = 2 Butoxyethanol, Ethylene Glycol, Monobutyl ether...

Risk for attracting and absorbing water = High - Contains alcohol.

- - Comment from Fuel-Testers: K100 marine brochure and website falsely state, "Eliminates water and all water related problems, (Misleading and impossible claim)...."Stops phase seperation in E-10 fuel", (Again, scientifically impossible claim).

Description and Definitions - Fuel and Additive Ingredients:

Ethylene glycol is an alcohol widely used as an automotive antifreeze and in the plastics industry for the manufacture of polyester fibers and resins.

Naphthenic Petroleum Oil = Mineral oil, petroleum distillates, hydrotreated light naphthenic.

N-Butyl Alcohol: A petroleum hydrocarbon and additive solvent. Also known as 1-Butanol, n-Butanol and Propylcarbinol.

It is commonly used as a solvent for fats, waxes, shellac, resins, gums, and varnish. Soluble in water, disperses.

Shellsol: A petroleum distillate, evaporating, mineral spirits type hydrocarbon solvent with a limited aromatic content.

Mineral spirits are commonly used as a mild solvent, cleaning and degreasing machine tools and parts, and paint thinner or alternative to turpentine. Especially effective in removing oils, greases, carbon, and other material from metal. Mineral spirits may also be used in conjunction with cutting oil as a thread cutting and reaming lubricant. Also referred to as a white spirit or stoddard solvent. Insoluble in water.

2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent and glycol ether, frequently found in cleaning products. It is difficult for consumers to know whether a product contains this chemical because manufacturers are not required to list it on the MSDS.

How to recognize ingredients that are an alcohol:

Review the wording and letters of each ingredient listed on the MSDS and package label. Many alcohol (ethanol type) chemical names end in "ol". E.G. ethan"ol", methan"ol". Sometimes the common name of alcohol based ingredients is not so obvious.

E.G. Carbon disulfide = Alcohol Sulfuris, Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia = Ammonia in alcohol.

Common and Chemical Names of Alcohol:

alcohol, grain=ethyl alcohol, alcohol sulfuris=carbon disulfide, wood alcohol=methyl alcohol,

ethanol = ethyl alcohol, methanol = methyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol = isopropyl alcohol...

READ: The products listed above is not intended to give advice or recommendation for gas treatment or fuel additivive products.

Our primary intention is to make you more aware of the ingredients products contain, so you can make an informed decision if the product is suitable for use with E10 or E85 ethanol alcohol gasoline blends. Information listed below was obtained from public sources, including official MSDS, scientific literature, research and journals, product company's brochures and website.

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Some companies that manufacture and sell fuel treatment products are using deceptve marketing tactics, to convince you that they have a product which will "prevent and fix" all ethanol-related fuel problems - No such miracle product exists!

The only product we have found that can safely and effectively remove water from E10 gasoline is Hydroburn by Cim-tek petroleum equipment company. Advanced fuel purifying equipment (costly) can also remove water from contaminated gas.

Gas contains hundreds of chemicals and compounds - All added by the fuel companies to provide the best quality of gas possible.

Gasoline sold to the public contains stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, oxygenators, octane enhancers and much more.

If there was product or chemical which could simply prevent all the negative side-effects of ethanol in fuel, the major gas companies would already be adding it to the gas produced.

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