Ethanol fuel solutions .. thoughts

[tmajor]

I believe, ethanol fuel, has been and will continue to be, a major headache for those of us, who have "intermittent use" engines around.

While there are "stabilizers" on the market, which cost as much as the gas, I don't think, they are the answer. Of course getting rid of the ethanol, would be the best approach, to this particular problem.

I was wondering, if, when not using the idle equipment, replacing the gas cap with a "non-vented" cap, would help? Possibly, even "lightly pressurizing" the tank, would help. If the ethanol attracts water vapor, the water has to come from outside the tank (through the vent?). Also, if the ethanol evaporates, it needs space to do so. Some believe, that a nearly full tank for storage periods, reduces the problem.

Let's have your thoughts.

 

[Dogballs]

I buy 100 LL aviation fuel at my local airport for long term storage in my small engines. I'm tired of rebuilding carbs and fixing rotted out fuel lines.

 

[beppington]

Of course getting rid of the ethanol, would be the best approach, to this particular problem.

This is a recurring dream I have :laughing:

I was wondering, if, when not using the idle equipment, replacing the gas cap with a "non-vented" cap, would help?

I'm sure that would help.

Possibly, even "lightly pressurizing" the tank, would help. If the ethanol attracts water vapor, the water has to come from outside the tank (through the vent?). Also, if the ethanol evaporates, it needs space to do so.

Some believe, that a nearly full tank for storage periods, reduces the problem

Not only do some believe this, Mercury marine instructs owners of their engines & who have ethanol fuel to either empty the tank altogether, or fill it as full as possible.

I think keeping these engines in an enclosed structure, if possible, also helps, since the temperature fluctuations are less.

 

[tsteahr]

I have posted this in a couple other threads already, so my apologies to those that have already seen it. My thought with ethanol fuel in small engines is the only solution is not use it. Availability of pure gas varies by location, but where I live all DOT pump gas has ethanol, including marinas. Local airports in my area will NOT sell aviation fuel if you don't have a FAA number. I have tried two local small airports. This leaves racing fuel manufacturers. I know of only two non-ethanol fuels suitable for small engines. Stihl sells a fuel called Moto-mix which is available with and without 2 stroke oil premixed. The second is a VP Racing fuel called SEF 94. I have just started using SEF 94 and I have been very impressed with the performance. VP claim it is stable to store in small engines for 2 years. I was able to find it at a local Stihl dealer. You could call VP and ask for a local retailer as well. I paid $16 for a gallon of SEF 94 but for the amount of fuel I use a year, the SEF is cheaper than carb rebuilds. As a plus, tools are much more fun to use when running the VP fuel.

SEF 94

 

[beppington]

I was wrong about capping the fuel. From Mercury Marine (Ethanol Fuels FAQs | Storage & Maintenance MerCruiser FAQs | Mercury Marine)

What should be done when storing boats with ethanol-blended fuels for extended periods?

When preparing to store a boat for extended periods of two months or more, it is best to completely remove all fuel from the tank. If it is difficult or not possible to remove the fuel, maintaining a full tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer added to provide fuel stability and corrosion protection is recommended. It is best to add the stabilizer and fuel treatment to the tank at the recommended dosage, run the engine for 10 minutes to allow the system to be cleaned, shut off the fuel valve to interrupt the fuel supply and allow the engine to run until it stops, and top off the tank until it's full to reduce the amount of exchange with the air that might bring in condensation. Do not cap the tank vent and do not fill with fuel to the point of overflowing. Some extra space should be maintained in the tank to allow for expansion and contraction of the fuel with temperature changes. A partially full tank is not recommended because the void space above the fuel allows air movement that can bring in water through condensation as the air temperature moves up and down. This condensation could potentially become a problem.

 

[tmajor]

I was wrong about capping the fuel

.

I could see the tank blowing out in hot weather or crinkling up in cold weather. So, what we need is a vent with a water trap or water separator, Yes/No? Maybe desiccant. ??

 

[PoorMansCat]

inline water seperator...????..

 

[tmajor]

Just reading this The Myth of Condensation in Fuel Tanks

He says, "the water is in the fuel when you pump it", however, he doesn't mention ethanol and I don't know when it was written.

 

[tmajor]

inline water seperator...????..

Well, ya know, the old tractors with the "fuel bowl/filter screen" just below the tank, did just that!

 

[beppington]

inline water seperator...????..

That's what my boat has. Kubota, too, I think.