The Effects of Ethanol Gas on a Boat Motor Engine

Ethanol may damage boat motor engines.

A 2005 energy bill by Congress requires that biofuel, such as ethanol, start entering the mainstream U.S. gas supply. While ethanol poses almost no risk to cars and motorcycles, it may cause damage to boat engines.

Effects

Ethanol breaks down rubber parts, turning them into a gelatinous shellac, according to MSNBC. The gel from rubber parts can clog fuel filters and prevent smaller engines from running properly.

Considerations

Ethanol also cleans out the fuel tank in a motor boat engine. Normally, residue in a fuel tank poses no risk as long as it sits there, but it can clog the engine when ethanol sets it free.

Considerations

Usually, motor boats using ethanol show no symptoms of engine trouble until the motor completely dies, according to manager Max Rutgers of Marine Valley in Yakima, Washington.

Prevention

Gasoline stations that sell ethanol-blended gasoline put up signs for consumers. Owners of boat engines may want to try to avoid gas with ethanol to prevent complications, but this may prove difficult due to regulations requiring the addition of ethanol to gas.

Solution

Boat owners should empty their fuel tank if they do not plan to use their boat for more than two months. During regular use, owners should maintain a full tank because ethanol can gather moisture in the empty space above it.

References

• MSNBC: Mechanics See Ethanol Damaging Small Engines
• Yakima Herald: The Ethanol Conundrum
• Ontario Ministry of Environment: FAQ--Ethanol Blended Gasoline