Ferrari Mailing List: Re: EFI & Ethanol

[Martin Stark (MStark]

All boats vent their fuel tanks to the atmosphere, my boat's tank 
included.  If they didn't, the air that is displaced when fueling would 
cause the fuel to push back and out the filler. 

Jeff Greenfield wrote:

>   Larry -
>
>
>
>   Without going into all the things that are wrong with Ethanol (from an
>   environmental and econmical view) I am aware of some problems in
>   marine use, which may very well carry over to small engines.
>
>
>
>   There are several problems that Ethanol presents in marine use. Older
>   inboard boats had fiberglass gas tanks which the Ethanol dissolves
>   over time creating all sorts of problems.
>
>
>
>   It wil also eat the hoses and seals in older stuff. Not a problem with
>   the newer stuff as the hoses and other seals, o rings, etc are
>   compatable with the Ethanol.
>
>
>
>   In older boats (as in antique  and classic boats from the 20's through
>   the 50's) the fuel systems are vented to the atmosphere (not sure if
>   this is the case with newer boats, I would think not). So, you have a
>   vent line running from the top of the tank to a through-hull fitting
>   just above the waterline. Ethanol absorbs moisture, so, can you see a
>   problem here?
>
>
>
>   Yup, the fuel absorbs moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.
>
>
>
>   There are additives available that counteract this which seem to work.
>   At least I haven't had any problems with my boat (a 1948 Chris Craft)
>   in the last 2-3 years since I've been using one of these additives.
>
>
>
>   Google E-Zorb and Startron which are two such additives.
>
>
>
>   I suspect that the problems with small engines and outboards are
>   similar. Although, I have no idea what effects Ethanol has when added
>   to 2 stroke oil.
>
>
>
>   Another problem is the so-called reduced shelf life. Supposedly E-10
>   gas will start to turn in 90 days or so. Personally I have not had any
>   problems with my small equipment and use Stabil when storing anything
>   for the winter (usually 4-5 months in these parts of the north east).
>
>
>
>   Jeff
>
>
>
>     -------- Original Message --------
>     Subject: [Ferrari] EFI & Ethanol
>     From: "LarryT" <l02turner [at] comcast.net>
>     Date: Sat, September 27, 2008 4:04 pm
>     To: Jeff Greenfield <COYOTE [at] acme-ltd.com>
>     Cc: The FerrariList <ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com>
>     Anyone aware of any studies looking into any problems that may be
>     caused by using Ethanol in EFI equipped engines?
>     Not govt. propaganda - real world info,
>     Have been reading some forums - small engines mostly - like
>     outboards and lawn mowers who are having problems directly related
>     to higher Ethanol content.
>     They say part of it is due to the way small engines are used Vs
>     larger car engines. Since small engine sit for longer before
>     burning their fuel. The ethanol is said to break down, lose octane
>     numbers and begine to absorb moisture more quickly. Evidently there
>     is a lawsuit of various Outboard Engine Manufacturers Vs the Govt
>     who mandated the use of Ethanol. Seems they claim a high amount of
>     repairs being caused by Ethanol - especially warranty work which is
>     borne by the manufacturers. No one is looking out for the little
>     guy constantly having his OB or mower repaired at hios own cost.
>     Actually, my Toro had a problem with the needle valve seat which
>     failed to seal - the shop that sold me the parts blamed ethanol
>     saying they were seeing dozens of them a month lately. Were so
>     backed up they could get to me for 2 weeks. Fixed it myself -
>     I'm still searching the net for info but would be interested in any
>     info. you are aware of --
>     Thx -
>     Take Care,
>     Larry T
>     [1]http://youroil.net
>     [2]http://members.rennlist.org/oil/ - Oil Testing
>     [3]http://members.rennlist.org/webercarbs/ - Carb & Jet Settings:
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> References
>
>   1. http://youroil.net/
>   2. http://members.rennlist.org/oil/
>   3. http://members.rennlist.org/webercarbs/
>   4. http://lists.ferrarilist.com/mailman/options/ferrari/coyote%40acme-ltd.com
>   5. http://www.F1Headlines.com/
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