5 replies to this topic

[pbaker]

New warnigns are being posted at local gas stations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, "Warning: If you are about to put fuel into your boat, please see the attendant about how ethanol may affect operation."

I didn't ask the attendant since I assumed they wouldn't have accurate information for my particular engine. Does anyone have information on how an ethanol mixture will affect the Mercury Optimax?

[R-Doo]

This same question was asked on a Mercury outboard racing site. I would think the answer should apply the same for our jet boat engines.

Gasohol, like many alternative fuels, has a higher specific gravity than standard fuels. This factor may create fuel delivery problems, since the fuel system in an outboard engine is not as adaptable as automotive systems. Additionally, I have not researched the compatibility of gasohol and 2 cycle oil, so it is better to play it safe and avoid it for now.

I'm doing all I can to avoid using it in my 250 Opti.

[jeepstudchris]

I know all my gas( California) is ethanol blend, but my rotax seems to eat it up like a champ. Never had just gasoline so no idead how it would be different or better.

[kikitlo]

New warnigns are being posted at local gas stations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, "Warning: If you are about to put fuel into your boat, please see the attendant about how ethanol may affect operation."

I didn't ask the attendant since I assumed they wouldn't have accurate information for my particular engine.  Does anyone have information on how an ethanol mixture will affect the Mercury Optimax?

I know that Mythbusters did a segment on ethanol in gas and it seemed to eat fuel faster. I have been running fuel like jeepstudchris in California for 2 years now with no problems.

[strandedagain]

GALVANIC CORROSION IN 4-TEC FUEL TANKS

I had a problem which I think is galvanic corrosion of electrical terminals inside the fuel tank. As ethanol increases conductivity of gasoline from a dielectric/insulator to a conductor is allows for galvanic erosion of anode connectors.
Ethanol also increase gasolines potential for absorption of water thus further increasing corrosion and galvanic erosion.

I have had 2 fuel pump failures due to erosion of positive terminal crimps connecting the 12volt supply to the pump within the tank... Its and expensive business and a design problem now ethanol is being added to fuel in greater concentration without being labelled as including this conductive and corrosive additive.

The latest pump has failed with only 2 hour of use and 3 months submerged in a full tank of gas. Luckily Seadoo changed the second pump as a warranty part replacement but they should look into a redesign of the fuel pump installation inside the tank!

[strandedagain]

GALVANIC CORROSION IN 4-TEC FUEL TANKS

I had a problem which I think is galvanic corrosion of electrical terminals inside the fuel tank. As ethanol increases conductivity of gasoline from a dielectric/insulator to a conductor is allows for galvanic erosion of anode connectors.
Ethanol also increase gasolines potential for absorption of water thus further increasing corrosion and galvanic erosion.

I have had 2 fuel pump failures due to erosion of positive terminal crimps connecting the 12volt supply to the pump within the tank... Its and expensive business and a design problem now ethanol is being added to fuel in greater concentration without being labelled as including this conductive and corrosive additive.

The latest pump has failed with only 2 hour of use and 3 months submerged in a full tank of gas. Luckily Seadoo changed the second pump as a warranty part replacement but they should look into a redesign of the fuel pump installation inside the tank.