[OSMB-News] News Release -Water Loves Ethanol but Neither Love Boat Engines

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Water Loves Ethanol but Neither Love Boat Engines 
	
State law requires all gasoline retailers in northwestern Oregon to
phase in fuel with 10 percent ethanol, or E10, and by the fall, all gas
stations in Oregon will sell the blend.  This is great news for the
environment, but there's a catch for boaters*and it's not the fish
kind.  

Ethanol is a solvent and will loosen sludge in your tank and fuel
lines, clogging fuel filters, carburetors and injectors. Also, ethanol
absorbs water extremely well, which is a problem because boat tanks are
vented outside. Boat owners need to take preventative measures before
the season gets underway to make sure their boat operates without a
hitch.

PRECAUTIONS FOR BOAT OWNERS FOR THE SWITCH TO E10

*	Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat's fuel system
at all times.  This is recommended for engines that sit for more than a
few weeks.
*	The more use the boat gets, the less likely it is to have
problems.  
*	If you winterize your boat and don't plan on using it for a
while, run the tank down to almost empty and then add fuel stabilizer.
Then, the following spring, refill the tank with fresh gasoline. OR keep
the tank full to prevent any condensation from occurring. It's
important to avoid water intrusion into your fuel system. 
*	Install a water-separating fuel filter.
*	Keep a stock of spare fuel filters handy, and the means for
safely changing them.
*	Replace older weather-faded plastic portable tanks with new
tanks.
*	Make sure you know what your fuel retailer is dispensing.
*	Rubber fuel lines older than the mid-to-late 1980's should be
inspected and may need to be replaced.
*	Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning.
Consult the engine manufacturer for details.

For more detailed information about E10 and boat engines, visit
www.boatoregon.com.
                                                         ###


Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

"Go with the flow, and don't fight the current."