Solving Ethanol Boat Fuel Problems
What Can Marina Fuel Providers Do to Resolve Ethanol Boat Fuel Problems
Oct 6, 2006
I'm certified as a marina manager by a professional trade group called the International Marina Institute. Certified Marina Managers (CMM) have been at the forefront of efforts to resolve the problems associated with the introduction of ethanol boat fuels to the boating public. Marina managers often operate boat fueling facilities and can receive the brunt of complaints attributed to ethanol fuel in boats.
I thought I would pass on some of the suggestions and comments marina professionals have for management of ethanol fuel distribution:
- Federal law requires notification when a fuel dock is dispensing ethanol at its pumps. It is important for fuel dock facilities to prominently post notices to boaters that ethanol is being sold at the dock.
- Factory service representatives for Mercury and Mercruiser engines have not seen engine damage resulting from shutdown associated with the mixing of MTBE and ethanol blended gasolines. The noncombustible slush generated by mixing ethanol and MTBE or water shuts down the engines, but does not appear to cause further damage.
- There don't seem to be chronic problems in the fleet from moisture being adsorbed by ethanol because of vented boat fuel tanks. Problems have all been traced to contamination issues caused by poor housekeeping that allows mixing of ethanol with MTBE or water.
- Fueling facilities should thoroughly clean all storage tanks that contained gasoline with MTBE prior to any introduction of ethanol blended fuel. Daily maintenance is very important for mitigating potential problems with ethanol fuel. Tanks need to be sticked once a week using a water finder paste. Sticking a tank entails physically putting a stick into a fuel tank to evaluate its contents. Finder paste is smeared on the tank stick and changes color in the presence of water.
- There is a new finder paste compound on the market that does a better job of seeing if ethanol has phased with water or MTBE within a fuel storage tank. It is called Kolor Kut modified for reformed and oxy fuels. It is produced by the manufacturer of the same name in Houston , Texas.
- Marine fuel facilities cannot tolerate any water entering their supply chain. A huge potential source of water can occur during delivery. Ensure truck drivers follow set procedures to prevent introduction of water during their deliveries.
- Dispenser filters should be changed on a periodic basis and the change recorded in a master log. One operator suggests changing filters at least every two weeks.
- Education is very important. Many marinas have published newsletters notifying vessel owners of the issues surrounding ethanol use and how to prevent problems. This seems to be a very good strategy and has reduced problems arising from poor housekeeping by boaters.
- There is a perception by some boaters that ethanol is a poor fuel. This is caused in part by its inclusion in gasoline as an octane booster. Ethyl alcohol is not as effective as MTBE in producing a hotter burn as a cylinder fires. Customers will notice a loss of performance using ethanol, as much as 1 knot in speed and lower potential RPM.
- Ethanol acts like a cleaning agent and will loosen years of varnish buildup in an engine or fuel tank. Without good fuel filters, these dissolved fuel system wastes can cause problems for a boater.
I'm sure there is more advice available in the industry for distributors of marine fuel and that this isn't a complete list of solutions. If you have a chance, talk to your fuel supplier about the steps they are taking to prevent problems with ethanol. Please pass on additional information that could help other suppliers and boaters to boatingsailing@suite101.com
