Dealing With Ethanol Fuel Boat Problems

Author: Robert

| Posted: 30-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 163 | Rating: (476)

(?)

As the fuel crisis forces more boaters to switch to
ethanol fuel mixtures, there have been reported
problems that are linked to the gasoline blended with
ethanol. However, with a little work on your boat you
can avoid these ethanol fuel related boat problems.

Until now many of the new initiatives to help improve
the quality of the air have had no negative impact on
boaters. Recently the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency started requiring the use of an oxygenated
gasoline in order to help improve the quality of the
air. Most started use Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether or
MTBE, however this had its own environmental problems
so now ethanol is replacing it as the standard in
boating fuel. However, the recent use of ethanol fuel
in boats has led to many problems including fiberglass
fuel tank failure, blockage of the fuel system, damage
to the engine and an increase in fuel contamination.

So how does the problem happen? Basically ethanol fuel
is a mix of gasoline and ethyl alcohol. This ethyl
alcohol is a solvent that adsorbs water. This means
that if you have an older fiberglass fuel tank the
ethanol fuel can damage your sealants. After the
sealants are dissolved they are then ingested by the
engine, which can cause damage, not to mention that
when you have fuel leaking from the tank into the
bilge you have the added fire hazard.

Fuel tanks that aren't made of fiberglass still
have problems with ethanol fuel, but they aren’t
as complex. The ethanol fuel can release fine metallic
particles into the fuel system, which pass through the
filter. This causes the metal to clog fuel injector
nozzles or carburetors.

No matter what fuel tank you have if the ethanol fuel
mixes with any water that has contaminated the fuel
tank you will have expensive repairs to do. When the
ethyl alcohol and water combine they cause a
noncombustible layer to develop which will stop all
engines completely.

So how can you protect your boat and avoid these
complicated problems? While there still is no plan
available for ethanol fuel use you can do some things
to help protect your boat until a solution is found.
First if you boat was built before 1984 then you
should replace the fiberglass fuel tank with a modern
version before adding ethanol fuel. This can help
reduce some of the more difficult problems related
with older fuel tanks and their components.

With ethanol fuel it is important to completely empty
your fuel tanks in the winter and then clean them
thoroughly before you use them in the following
season. When it comes to fuel filters you should have
a good one that can separate the water and carry
several spare cartridges when you are out on the
water.

When it comes to the fuel itself you should avoid
mixing fuel types. Before adding ethanol be sure you
use up all your old gasoline and clean the tank
completely. Then when you add ethanol, be sure to
limit the fuel you have onboard to only what you need
for two weeks. This is because ethanol fuel has a very
short shelf life when compared to other fuels.

Rate this Article:

Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Tags: Dealing With Ethanol Fuel Boat Problems

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/dealing-with-ethanol-fuel-boat-problems-400648.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

John Quail is seasoned boating campaigner and is always happy to share his secrets with his readers. You can find information on boating items like Towables or Sportsstuff Big Mable and Anchor Winch at Premium Power
Sports helping and supporting the boating community.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Extreme Sports Articles

How to Care for your Carabiners
By: Jeffry Evans | 23/07/2008
Great article with tips and tricks for keeping your carabiners in top working order.

The Easiest Way to Book Your Vikings Football Tickets
By: Al Terry | 23/07/2008
A history of the Vikings NFL team with some of the great moments and players in the franchise history.

Formula1 - Coulthard Announces His Retirement
By: Emeli Dean | 23/07/2008
After 15 years in the Formula One the British race driver Coulthard announces now his end of career for the end of the present season. How Coulthard’s life will continue beyond the Formula One is still not been said but he said in an interview that he is open for future engagements in another form in the motorsports section...

Quad Biking and Clay Pigeon Shooting
By: Synapse India | 23/07/2008
Quad biking and Clay Shooting are enthralling and thrilling activities to rejuvenate your mood. Each sport boosts your X-factor to encourage you to cross your limits to take challenges.

8 Skateboarding Safety Tips
By: Dean Pugliese | 22/07/2008
This article will give you eight often neglected safety tips. Skateboarding can be dangerous. Follow these tips to make it safer and overall more fun!

National Indoor Stadium
By: Livebeijingupdates | 22/07/2008
Livebeijingupdates.com gives you an insight of National Indoor Stadium, venue for Beijing Olympics.

Celebrating Stag Activities in Bristol
By: Synapse India | 22/07/2008
Bristol, the name itself gives a picture of unlimited fun and adventure for everyone. Better known as a comic city, Bristol offers unique possibilities for organizing happening stag weekends. Indulge in any activity that gets you pleasure and joy.

What to Look for in Airsoft Guns
By: Greg Howard | 22/07/2008
Selecting the right airsoft gun can be difficult given the various factors to be looked at. We look at what you need to consider when choosing one.

More from Robert

Why Choose a Hurricane Fun Deck Boat?
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Men's Health
When it comes to a deck boat, Hurricane has been unsurpassed for the last thirty years. Hurricane is the best choice when it comes to selection, versatility and innovation. Whether you want to fish, ski or just enjoy the water; a Hurricane deck boat will be able to accommodate you. Hurricane deck boats come with fishing features, a lot of storage and excellent floor plans. Consider a few of the reasons why a Hurricane Fun Deck boat is the right option for your boating needs.

Where to Buy a Degree Based on Life Experience
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | K-12 Education
Find out the fastest way for you to obtain the University Degree you need to succeed in just a week without having to take classes or ever doing courseworks.

La Plagne - a Get High French Ski Resort
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Travel Tips
This ski resort is part of the Paradiski ski area, including it as one of the world's most sizable snowboarding and skiing zones in the world.

Cervinia, Italy - Altitude, Attitude and Ambiance
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Cervinia has always had its fair share of visitors. In the heart of the 19th century, mountain climbers leading expedition groups came to the village of Breuil to attempt clambers up Matterhorn, locally known as Monte Cervino, the local mountain.

Puy Saint Vincent - Where Liveliness Equals Quietness
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Puy Saint Vincent, France, is often shortened to PSV (as the French are wont to do with acronyms). Puy Saint Vincent is associated with the Grande Galaxie Ski Area.

Make a Car Deal on Internet
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Cars
Are you thinking to purchase a new car? Do you know that a lot of us want a new car but don’t feel comfortable while going to a dealership for the exertion involved in the event of getting a good bargain. You’ll definitely get tired dealing with the tricks of a dealer.

Val Thorens - Elevate to a Higher Time
By: Robert | 23/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Though it will take some time before the 70s and 80s architecture at Val Thorens-especially on some of the local hotels-is fully remodeled and updated, the Alpine spirit is still alive and well.

Evolution of Amplifiers
By: Robert | 20/07/2008 | Cars
Everyone surely have a slight idea what amplifiers are perhaps you even have this at home. Basically, it is any object which augments the amplitude of a signal which is in general a voltage or a current. In layman’s term, this more often than not refers to an electronic amplifier which is regularly used for radio application. Like any other device, amplifiers had also evolved together with the advancement of technology.

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.21, 9)