Gas containing ethanol and outboard motors as well as most inboard/outboards are not compatible.

As of Friday we have 37 boats in for service. I would guess 75 percent are here because of problems related to E-10 fuel.

Some of the newer outboard motors are E-10 “resistant,” but none are E-10 proof. All marine engines burning E-10 fuel are subject to power-head failure, carburetor or injector problems as well as fuel line deterioration and a number of other problems which add up to very costly repair bills.

When the EPA approved E-10 gas (10 percent ethanol) there were no studies conducted on long-term effects.

To top it off, the EPA recently waived a limitation on selling fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol. The waiver now allows the sale of fuel containing as much as 15 percent ethanol for use in cars and light duty trucks.

Keep a very close watch for new labels on the gas pumps. If it says E-15 do not run this fuel in your outboard motor, regardless of the year model.

Personally I would not run E-15 or E-10 in any of my engines.

If you pay more attention to the low price gas and fail to read the fine print on the pumps you will end up with some very expensive repair bills.

So the question is how can we avoid ethanol gas and the problems it can cause?

The major problem with an ethanol additive is separation. Ethanol is heavier than gas so it goes to the bottom of your tank.

The longer your boat or vehicle sits idle the greater the chance of separation.

Once the fuel separates, it will not mix again. If you start an engine with fuel that has separated, you’re burning straight ethanol because the fuel pick-up line is in the bottom of your fuel tank. Straight ethanol stresses motors and can cause power-head failure.

The other problem with ethanol is water absorption. Ethanol absorbs moisture from the air.

The major problem we’re seeing with water is water in the fuel system of pontoons and ski boats. These motors are not used year around. The fuel sits up, separates and causes major problems.

Prior to E-10 fuel, the outboard motor manufactures recommended storing your boat with the fuel tank completely full. Now Mercury Marine says you are better off storing your boat with the fuel tanks completely empty.

One thing I do if I have no choice but to use E-10 is put only enough gas in my rig that will get me through the day. Keep fresh fuel in your tank.

Water is heavier than ethanol so when it separates you will have water on the bottom of your tank, followed by a high percentage of ethanol and the good gas above that.

One thing you can do to help with the water problem is to have a canister-style water separator filter installed that works in addition to the filter under the cowling. If you do this make sure to remove any in-line filters. Too many filters will cause a fuel restriction. Additives do help but additives will not defeat separation. Of course the very best preventative measure is to purchase E-10 free fuel, but if it is not available use the filters and additives.

I hope this helps you stay out of the shop and on the water.