Gasahol, Is it OK for Non-Automotive Engines?

July 23, 2006 – Vol.11 No.18

GASOHOL, IS IT OK FOR NON-AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES?

A reader, whose credentials indicate that he is proficient in energy technologies, asks, “How are the new gasoline blends working out with small gas engines? What about long term storage?

(By gasoline blends he means the 10 percent ethanol (E-10) gasohol now being phased into the US gasoline supply.)

The US (well, the world) is loaded with all types of non-automotive, gasoline (petrol) fueled engines. Lawn mowers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, air compressors, outboard motors, etc., some of those motors are used frequently, others like lawn and garden equipment or outboard motors sit idle for days, weeks or whole seasons.

The reader is concerned. It’s known that ethanol tends to separate from gasoline when it stands stagnant. It’s known that straight ethanol can damage fuel tank and engine parts. But, have any problems developed?

A quick Google search turned up one story. It’s from the Martha’s Vineyard Times. The story reports through sources, that boaters, who were running the new E10 ethanol blend, could have gas tank leaks when ethanol separated from gasoline begins to dissolve the plastic used in glass reinforced (aka fiberglass) fuel tanks that are internal in some boats. Further, the ethanol can loosen deposits in gas tanks that were previously undisturbed by older gasoline blends. Those jelly-like deposits can clog fuel filters. Lastly, it’s possible that as ethanol settles to the bottom of a tank with the water it has absorbed (ethanol absorbs water just like Scotch and Water) the engine may be difficult to start as it tries to fire on fuel only as potent as a mixed drink.

Well, it’s just one story in one publication and E10 has been used in some markets for years. Still, if large numbers of consumers begin to experience problems then a solution will have to be found.

The Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage was concerned enough about the potential for problems that it commissioned the Orbital Engine Company to review related studies That report is available at http://eriss.erin.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/publications/review-non-automotive/system-durability.html

For the article “Ethanol additive can gum up boat engines” from the Martha’s Vineyard Times click http://www.mvtimes.com/news/2006/07/13/ethanol_additive.php