Sooner or later (if it hasn't already happened) someone is going to lose
their life due to ethanol related fuel problems. If at all possible, don't
use it. Here in Oregon it can be legally sold at Marina's and airports and a
few specialty fuel suppliers. It costs about 50¢ to 75¢ more per gallon but
it's lots cheaper than fixing ethanol related problems at $75/hr plus parts!
I know lots of guys who are having major problems with their dirt bikes and
other small engines that may not get run regularly. Most are getting wise
and finding non-ethanol fuel supplies. It's even worse in a marine
environment. My local boat mechanic has had a huge increase in business all
because of fuel problems. From what I have been able to glean from him and
his customers it looks like anything more than 30 days will really be
pushing your luck with ethanol. If you have more than 5% water in your fuel
tank, the ethanol will phase separate within a matter of days and that is
the source of the gelatinous substance that people are finding in their fuel
systems. Some of the additives appear to help a bit but nothing will put
phase separated fuel back together and they won't help if you already have
much water in your tank. Running the tank dry at the end of each outing may
help as well, but you still don't get all the fuel out of the float bowl.
The best thing is to avoid using it if you possibly can. You never know when
your life (or at least your boat) may depend on your motor running when you
really need it. I'll keep clear of the discussion of the politics behind
this mess, it sickens me.
Well that's my 2¢ worth.
Mark Dvorscak
M23 Faith
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