Regan Brown
E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, making it more environmentally friendly than E5 fuel, which contains up to 5%. However, E10's higher ethanol content can cause issues in outboard motors, as ethanol attracts moisture, which can lead to corrosion, clogged filters, and reduced engine performance. To safely filter E10 fuel in an outboard motor, it is recommended to use a water-separating fuel filter, regularly check and replace the fuel filter, use fuel additives or stabilizers to prevent water absorption, and avoid storing fuel for long periods. Additionally, engine compatibility, fuel freshness, and the potential need for modifications should be considered when using E10 fuel in outboard motors.
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What You'll Learn
Check engine compatibility
E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, unlike E5 petrol, which contains up to 5%. This makes it more environmentally friendly and reduces CO2 emissions. However, some older engines may not be compatible with E10 fuel.
Before using E10 fuel, it is crucial to refer to your engine's owner's handbook or manual to determine fuel compatibility. Different engine brands have specific compatibility requirements with E10 fuel. For instance, Mercury/Mariner engines manufactured after 1996 can run on E10 petrol, whereas those built before 1996 cannot. Similarly, Suzuki 4 strokes are compatible with E10, but their 2-stroke outboards are not. Yamaha outboard motors built after 2003, Honda engines produced for the EU market since 1996, and Evinrude E-tec engines are all compatible with E10 petrol. It is essential to consult the specific recommendations for your engine model.
Additionally, it is important to note that ethanol has a solvent property, which can cause damage to certain materials over time. Ethanol attracts moisture, which can lead to issues with outboard performance and reliability. It can also liberate dirt and residue within the fuel system, potentially causing clogging and affecting engine performance. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly use a quality "fuel system cleaner" and a “fuel stabilizer” when storing your outboard motor for extended periods.
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Use a water-separating fuel filter
E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which is more than its predecessor, E5. Ethanol attracts moisture, which can cause issues with outboard performance and reliability. To avoid this, you can use a water-separating fuel filter.
A water-separating fuel filter is designed to protect your engine from water that enters the fuel system. It acts as an added line of defence, filtering water and other particulates from the fuel before it reaches the fuel filter, ensuring only clean fuel reaches your engine.
There are two types of water-separating fuel filters: those mounted on the engine and remote filters located between the fuel tank and the engine. Remote filters are useful for boats that travel far from their home port. They have a greater capacity than most engine-mounted filters and can be changed at sea.
Water-separating fuel filters should be inspected or replaced per the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, usually every 100 hours or annually. It is a good idea to keep a spare filter on board in case the filter becomes clogged.
You can purchase water-separating fuel filters for outboard motors from PartsVu. They offer filters for Mercury, Mariner, and Yamaha outboard motors.
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Regularly inspect fuel lines
E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which is a solvent that attracts moisture. This can lead to issues with outboard performance and reliability. To safely filter E10 fuel in an outboard motor, it is important to regularly inspect and replace fuel lines, primer bulbs, and tanks if they are over 10 years old.
- Ethanol attracts moisture, and when it remains in the carburetor or vapor separator for an extended period, it can cause starting issues and damage to carbs, fuel pumps, and injectors. Regularly inspecting fuel lines helps identify any signs of moisture accumulation and allows for proactive mitigation.
- Ethanol can liberate dirt and residue within the fuel system. Regular inspections of the fuel lines can help detect any build-up that may restrict fuel flow or impact engine performance.
- Ethanol has the potential to damage certain materials, such as plastic and rubber, over time. Regular inspections of the fuel lines can identify any signs of degradation or deterioration caused by the ethanol content in E10 fuel.
- The combination of ethanol and water can lead to corrosion and the growth of microbes, resulting in clogged filters and poor engine performance. By regularly inspecting the fuel lines, you can proactively address any potential issues caused by this combination.
- In some cases, fuel lines may need to be replaced to ensure compatibility with E10 fuel. Regular inspections will help determine the condition of the fuel lines and whether they need to be upgraded or replaced with ethanol-compatible materials.
It is important to consult the engine owner's handbook for specific recommendations and guidelines regarding fuel compatibility and maintenance schedules for fuel lines, filters, and other components.
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Use fuel stabiliser and additives
E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which is more than the previous E5 standard. This ethanol absorbs water, causing internal corrosion and microbe growth, which can lead to clogged filters and poor engine performance. Ethanol also breaks down rubbers and plastics, potentially damaging fuel hoses, primer bulbs, diaphragms, o-rings and seals in older engines.
To combat these issues, fuel stabilisers and additives are essential. Firstly, always refer to your outboard motor's owner's handbook for fuel compatibility. It is important to note that Mercury/Mariner outboard motors built before 1996 cannot run on E10 petrol. If your engine is compatible, you should use a quality fuel stabiliser when storing your outboard motor for any period, to prevent fuel deterioration. It is also recommended to use a fuel system cleaner to maintain performance.
When selecting a fuel stabiliser, look for one that prevents regular and ethanol-blended fuel from oxidising and causing corrosion and gum and varnish formations in the fuel system. Sta-Bil Ethanol Treatment Marine Formula, for example, contains more than four times the fuel system cleaner than regular Sta-Bil and is formulated to protect marine engines from corrosion. ValvTect Ethanol Gasoline Treatment stabilises E10 fuel, adds lubricity, prevents corrosion, and enhances fuel combustion for quick engine starting. It also stabilises fuel for up to two years.
To use a fuel stabiliser, simply add the appropriate amount based on the instructions on the bottle for the volume of fuel in your tank. Then, run the engine for about 10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the entire fuel system. Finally, replace the fuel filter, and your fuel system will be ready for the next season.
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Store fuel for short periods
E10 fuel has a very short shelf life of around two weeks from the time it leaves the refinery. This is due to its tendency to undergo "phase separation", where any moisture in the petrol is absorbed by the ethanol, which then separates from the petrol itself. This can cause internal corrosion, microbe growth, and clog filters, leading to poor engine performance and hard starting. Therefore, it is recommended to buy E10 fuel from a busy petrol station to ensure freshness and store it for no more than three to four weeks.
To safely store E10 fuel for short periods, it is crucial to address the issue of water absorption. Water is attracted to ethanol, so it is inevitable that water will get into the fuel. Modern engines are typically equipped with a fuel water separator between the fuel tank and the engine, which extracts water from the fuel during normal use. However, inactivity, such as during the winter layup, can exacerbate the water issue. To prevent this, it is recommended to regularly check the water separator during early season use, especially after periods of inactivity, to ensure it is functioning properly.
Additionally, fuel additives can be used as a preventative measure to offset the issues caused by ethanol. These additives claim to fix phase separation problems and protect against water absorption, preserving the life of the fuel. It is important to select an additive that suits your needs and to follow the instructions for the appropriate amount based on the volume of fuel in your tank. Running the engine for about 10 minutes after adding the additive will circulate the treated fuel through the entire fuel system.
Another crucial aspect of storing E10 fuel is to inspect and maintain your fuel filters regularly. Fuel filters help prevent fuel contaminants from entering the engine. It is recommended to check your fuel filter often and replace it according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, usually every 100 hours or annually. In some cases, a remote fuel filter that separates water from the fuel before it reaches the on-engine filter may be installed to add filtering capacity. It is also advisable to keep spare filter elements on board.
By following these guidelines, you can safely store E10 fuel for short periods in your outboard motor. Remember to refer to your engine's owner's handbook for specific fuel compatibility and storage guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, unlike E5 fuel which contains up to 5%.
Ethanol attracts moisture, which can lead to outboard performance and reliability issues. It can also cause internal corrosion, microbe growth, and damage fuel hoses, primer bulbs, and other engine components.
You can install a remote fuel filter that separates water from the fuel before it reaches the engine. You can also use fuel additives to remove excess water and stabilizers to prevent fuel deterioration during storage.
Check your owner's manual for fuel compatibility and maintenance guidance. E10 fuel has a short shelf life of around two weeks, so it should not be stored for long periods.
