|
Why do I need a fuel additive?
Ethanol which was introduced recently into Marine and Regular fuel has caused some problems in the engines and fuel systems of some boats, cars, RV’s, construction equipment and in reality anything and everything that uses fuel. Unfortunately, the most a fuel can contain is 10% of ethanol, but some also state that with the volatility in fuel prices, the content changes to sometimes more than 10%.
The blend of gasoline with ethanol added called E 20 contains 10 % ethanol and 90 % gas. Some states also offer E 85 (15% ethanol and 85% gas). You have to be careful because some engine manufacturers do not approve the use of this fuel in marine engines.
Being in the market of fuel additives we have found that most mechanics have reported problems with the use of ethanol in their engines. Some report that seals are braking, that computer signaling devices are not reporting correctly and most important the introduction of more water and or condensation to fuel tanks.
Ethanol also acts as a detergent, loosening rust, debris and other particles attached to your tank and hoses. This clogs fuel filters, not allowing the proper amount of fuel to get to the engine.
Ethanol is also known to remove resins and plastic particles from plastics and rubber materials from rubber. It is important to know that fiberglass fuel tanks are being affected tremendously especially older boats.
Ethanol also affects the intake valves causing them to stick and or fuel injectors clogging with potential for major damage. Epoxies and polyester resins are not ethanol resistant.
Here is the worst part of Ethanol, it absorbs water and mixes more easily with gasoline. Up to 10 % of your fuel could become overly mixed with water causing phase separation forming a top layer of pure low octane gas and bottom layer of saturated ethanol. Since the fuel pick up is located at the bottom of the tank, water contaminated fuel can cause your engine to run badly or not run at all.
This low octane fuel causes problems with performance in four stroke engines and can cause damage In two stroke outboards depriving the engine of essential lubricants from reaching the engine.
What do if you have ethanol fuels?
Replace fuel filters often. If your boat was built before 1990 check hoses Keep water out of fuel Do not let phase separation to occur.
If you use our fuel
additives it will stabilize and
YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO USE |
|
|
|