Ethanol E15 and E10
E15 is becoming more widely available as it has been approved by the EPA for 2001 and newer light-duty conventional vehicles. However, E15 should still not be used in small engines like lawnmowers or boats. Testing and engine setup has not been done for E15 in these small engines.
All small engines currently produced are made to operate efficiently on E10 gasoline. E10 is sold in every state with the U.S. Department of Energy estimating that nearly 97% of all U.S. gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol. Most people regularly use E10 gasoline without even knowing.
A large area of undue concern regarding E10 comes from the boating and lawn care communities where the perception is that engine manufacturers are concerned that ethanol fuels will degrade the engine. However, most of the problems attributed to E10 usage are just myths.
MYTH #1: Use of ethanol blended fuels will void my warranty.
TRUTH: Mercury Marine states on its website that, “Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Mercury engines.” Toro states “Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol by volume is acceptable and will not void a warranty.”
MYTH #2: Ethanol absorbs more water than gasoline and shouldn’t be used in small engines.
TRUTH: Ethanol helps engines stay dry. The Renewable Fuel’s Association notes straight gasoline only suspends .15 teaspoons per gallon of water whereas ethanol blended gasoline will suspend 4 teaspoons. Ethanol blended fuels will move more water that enters the tank from condensation through the fuel system keeping the tank dryer and causing no harm to the engine.
MYTH #3: Engine manufacturers do not recommend the use of ethanol.
TRUTH: From the Honda fuel recommendations section, “Honda engines are designed for good performance and efficient operation using gasoline containing from 0 to 10% ethanol.” Evinrude, states “Oxygenated fuels should not hurt motors, motors can tolerate up to 10% alcohol in fuels.”
Ethanol related problems are rare. To minimize any chance of problems, we recommend not letting unused fuel sit in storage tanks for long periods of time. However, the average consumer will never see a problem.
We also recommend purchasing from a reputable supplier whose fuel meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Being one of the nation’s leading suppliers of ethanol blended gasolines, the FS System knows the importance of trouble-free operation and ensures all ethanol blended fuels meet or exceed ASTM standards.
Contact your local FS Energy Sales Specialist
Contact your local FS Energy Sales Specialist for more information.
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