Ferrari Mailing List: Re: EFI & Ethanol

[Jeff Greenfield (coyote]

Thanks, I thought possibly newer boats had a sealed vapor recovery  
system similar to what modern cars have.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 27, 2008, at 8:44 PM, Martin Stark <MStark [at] Copper.net> wrote:

> 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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> > %40ac
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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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