BoatU.S. Action Alert: Protect Your Boat, Ask Congress to Fix the Renewable Fuel Standard
February 4, 2015
Dear BoatU.S. Member,
For years, BoatU.S. has been battling in Washington to make sure you can buy gasoline that works in your boat engines. On Wednesday, February 4, 2015, U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced The Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act of 2015. This bill, which has both Democrat and Republican support, will effectively remove mandates for higher blend ethanol fuels (more than 10%) and allow for investment in other more compatible biofuels. We believe it is a critical step and we are writing you to ask your Congressman to become a co-sponsor and support it.
CLICK HERE to TAKE ACTION
Background:
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. When written, it assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to rise and mandated escalating amounts of biofuels to be blended with our fuel. Since 2005, gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily and now the law forces more ethanol into less gasoline.
To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace. Even though E15 is prohibited from being used in marine engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any vehicle made before 2001, this fuel can now be found at over 100 stations in 16 states at the very same pumps as E10 and ethanol-free gasoline. (In fact, there is not a single marine engine warrantied to run on any fuel with over 10% ethanol.)
Over 60% of BoatU.S. Members fill their boat’s fuel tanks at roadside gas stations where the higher blend ethanol fuels are often the cheapest fuel at the pump. This creates a huge potential for misfueling and puts boaters at risk.
Please contact your Congressman by clicking HERE. Ask them to co-sponsor theRenewable Fuel Standard Reform Act of 2015. In the last Congress, this bill had 82 co-sponsors.
CLICK HERE for more information on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Thank you for being a BoatU.S. Member!
Margaret B. Podlich
President, BoatU.S.
(703) 461-2878 x8363
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ethanol and your marine engine what you need to know
article appeared in the Mercury Marine Dockslider Newsletter December 2013
page 1 of 4...
There is much confusion regarding the effects of ethanol-blended fuels on marine engines and fuel care products in the market.
All gasoline, whether it’s blended with ethanol or not, will degrade over time due to evaporation, contamination and oxidation, according to Brian Kluge, Mercury Marine’s director of parts and accessories. However, ethanol can exaggerate this.
Phase separation
Although it occurs only under rare conditions, E10 gasoline (fuel with up to 10 percent ethanol) is subject to
phase separation.
Pure gasoline does not have the ability to absorb water, but E10 fuel can hold up to 0.5 percent of water under certain conditions. As an example, 20 gallons of E10 fuel in 60-degree temperatures can hold up to 12 ounces of water.
The 12 ounces of water is absorbed by the ethanol and harmlessly runs through the fuel system. The ability to absorb water actually makes E10 a superior fuel blend in ideal conditions, although E0 fuel is still generally more preferred.
Once the fuel reaches the saturation rate, in this circumstance 12 ounces of water, the water and alcohol separate from the gasoline and, due to density, fall to the bottom of the fuel tank, leaving an upper layer of fuel depleted of ethanol that has a reduced octane
level, and a thin lower layer that contains a corrosive mix of water and ethanol.
To read the entire article (4 pages): http://www.mercurymarine.com/media/mercury/documents/ethanol3.pdf?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokua7BZKXonjHpfsX86ewsW6e%2BlMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4CSsRgI%2BSLDwEYGJlv6SgFTrTFMbJh3LgLXBc%3D
There is much confusion regarding the effects of ethanol-blended fuels on marine engines and fuel care products in the market.
All gasoline, whether it’s blended with ethanol or not, will degrade over time due to evaporation, contamination and oxidation, according to Brian Kluge, Mercury Marine’s director of parts and accessories. However, ethanol can exaggerate this.
Phase separation
Although it occurs only under rare conditions, E10 gasoline (fuel with up to 10 percent ethanol) is subject to
phase separation.
Pure gasoline does not have the ability to absorb water, but E10 fuel can hold up to 0.5 percent of water under certain conditions. As an example, 20 gallons of E10 fuel in 60-degree temperatures can hold up to 12 ounces of water.
The 12 ounces of water is absorbed by the ethanol and harmlessly runs through the fuel system. The ability to absorb water actually makes E10 a superior fuel blend in ideal conditions, although E0 fuel is still generally more preferred.
Once the fuel reaches the saturation rate, in this circumstance 12 ounces of water, the water and alcohol separate from the gasoline and, due to density, fall to the bottom of the fuel tank, leaving an upper layer of fuel depleted of ethanol that has a reduced octane
level, and a thin lower layer that contains a corrosive mix of water and ethanol.
To read the entire article (4 pages): http://www.mercurymarine.com/media/mercury/documents/ethanol3.pdf?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokua7BZKXonjHpfsX86ewsW6e%2BlMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4CSsRgI%2BSLDwEYGJlv6SgFTrTFMbJh3LgLXBc%3D
Map with LOCATIONS to buy ETHANOL FREE FUEL in SC
This is not a current list! I do not maintain and update locations anymore.
Old info: I have put together a map to show locations of stations that sell Ethanol Free Fuel in South Carolina.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=201064205834642883873.00048a030176035f22b7f&t=h&z=7
on maps.google.com
Old info: I have put together a map to show locations of stations that sell Ethanol Free Fuel in South Carolina.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=201064205834642883873.00048a030176035f22b7f&t=h&z=7
on maps.google.com
Information is not current or updated! I have left the information up in case someone does use it.
South Carolina
Anderson: (Lake Hartwell area):
Hickory Point Amoco 187, 5503 South Carolina 187, Anderson, SC (864)287-0661
Lake Hartwell Fishing & Marine, 5365 Hwy 24, Anderson, SC 29625 (864) 287-9782
The Villager, 1901 HWY 187 S, Anderson, SC 864-261-9482
Calhoun Falls: (Lake Russell area)
Hickory Point #9018, 7101 Highway 72, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628 (pumps #7 and #8) 864-418-8516
Central:
Jr's Inc, 1014 Greenville Highway, Central, SC 29630 (864) 639-2659
Maw's Grocery, 2009 Six Mile Highway, Central, SC 29630 (864) 654-4539
Chapin: (Lake Murray area)
Mr. J’s, 1865 Chapin Rd, Chapin, SC, 29036 (803) 932-0556
Lighthouse Marina, 1925 Johnson Marina Rd, Chapin, SC 29036 803-749-1554
Charleston:
Clair’s Exxon Service Station, 334 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC, (843) 795-8926
Clarks Hill/Strom Thurmond Reservoir (see Appling, Ga and Lincolnton, GA)
Easley:
Bush Oil Co., 300 S. Pendleton St, Easley, SC (864) 855-2666
Spinx Station, 3785 Farrs Bridge Road, Easley, SC 864-246-0513
Goose Creek:
Duncan Stop and Shop, 1015 Redbank Rd., Goose Creek , Sc. 29445 843-797-2143
Greenville:
Blue Jay Convenience Store, 1139 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 297-8111
"COSTCO, Woodruff Rd, Greenville (On 6/17/10 they are still selling ethanol free but, the attendant said at some point, they will switch to ethanol added..." :(
Red Robin Gas Station, 1170 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 288-7325
Greer:
Larson's C Store (Citgo Station), 701 S Buncombe Rd, Greer, SC 29651 (864) 848-7330
Lake Hartwell(see Anderson, SC - Pendleton, SC - Hartwell, GA)
Lake Keowee (see Easley, SC ~ Seneca, SC ~ Six Mile, SC)
Lake Murray(see Chapin)
Lake Russell (see Calhoun Falls, SC and Elberton, GA)
Loris:
Ford’s Fuel Service (Exxon), 4115 Holly St, Loris, SC, 29569 (843) 756-3918
Newberry Livingston service center, 1525 Main St. Newberry SC 29108 (803)-276-4606
Noris:
Jr's Inc. (conv. store), 100 South Norris Drive, Norris, SC 29667 (864) 639-9900 This location is pure gas but only at 87 octane
North Myrtle Beach:
Ford’s Fuel Service (Exxon), 1519 Old Highway 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Pendleton:
Zeke's Country Store, 5629 HWY 76, Pendleton, SC 29670 864-261-8955
Pickens:
Lindsay Oil Company,103 Wolf Creek School Road, Pickens, SC29671 864-878-9388
Stop A Minit, 105 Sparks Lane, Pickens, SC 29671 864-314-2190
Piedmont:
Cokers Store at Moonville, 7701 Augusta Rd (US Hwy 25), Piedmont, SC (864) 277-7225
Prosperity: (Lake Murray area)
Wise’s Exxon, 11540 C R Koon Hwy, Prosperity, SC 29127 803-364-4153
Seneca (Lake Keowee area):
Lake Keowee Marina, 150 Keowee Marina Dr, Seneca, SC 29672, 864-882-2047
Lindsay Oil Company Inc, 901 W North 1st Street, Seneca, SC 29678, 864-882-4226
Palms Gas Station, 10899 Clemson Blvd, Seneca, SC 29678 864-654-0544
Simpsonville, SC
One Stop Shop & Grille, 825 SE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681 (864) 228-2261
Six Mile (Lake Keowee area):
Gap Hill Landing , 900 Gap Hill Rd Six Mile, SC 29682, (864) 868-2823
Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill Reservoir (see Lincolnton, GA)
Travelers Rest
Forrest Oil Co (Plaza Station), 1 Plaza Drive (frontage Rd off of Hwy 25), Travelers Rest, SC 29690, (864) 834-7332
West Columbia:
Shell, 4000 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC
Woodruff:
JJ’s Lanmark, 415 N Main St, Woodruff, SC 29388 (864) 237-4954
KT Express, 5400 Highway 101, Woodruff, SC 29388 (864) 476-9843
OTHER STATES
ALABAMA
Guntersville, AL
East Lake Market, 3625 Lake Orville State Park Dr, Guntersville, AL 256-582-8181
Lanett, AL Lake West Point
Stateline Hook & Horn, 1111 County Road 212, Lanett, AL 334-644-4665
Montgomery, AL
Liberty one stop #45, 6824 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone 334-356-0802
Tuscaloosa, AL
8200 Highway 69 South, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205-345-0588
ARKANSAS - Lake Dardanelle
Russellville, AR
Hwy 7 Shell, 2325 N. Arkansas, Ave, Russellville, AR 72802 479-968-5719
GEORGIA
Appling, GA
Pair of Jacks, 6600 Washington Rd, Appling, GA 30802 706-541-0042
Clarks Hill/Strom Thurmond Reservoir (see Lincolnton, GA and Appling, GA)
Elberton, GA
72 Marine, 3336 Calhoun Falls Hwy, Elberton, GA (706) 283-7800
Hartwell, GA
L & J General Store, 2136 reed Creek School Rd (Hwy 51), Hartwell, GA 30643 706-376-4377
Lincolnton, GA
Cliatt Crossing, 3850 Augusta Hwy, Lincolnton, GA 30817, 706-359-5530
Lake Russell (GA/SC) (see Elberton, GA)
Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill Reservoir (see Lincolnton, GA)
NORTH CAROLINA
Indian Trail, NC BP, 7805 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail, NC 704-882-1359 87 Octane
Monroe, NC
BP, 2004 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 704-283-2039 89 Octane
BP, 531 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 704-283-7244 89 Octane
Waxhaw, NC
2538 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-243-2083 89 Octane
Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN ethanolfreechat.com
Red Bank Service*, 44720 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37415 423-877-7950
(*Added 6/2010, only expects to carry ethanol free gas for 2-3 more months)
Kentucky Lake (Buchanan, TN - Paris Landing area)
Dodd's Country Store, 14300 HWY 79N, Buchanan, TN 731-642-4111
Kirk's (across from Dodd's), pumps #5 & #6
Lebanon, TN
Home Run Market 7790 highway 109 North Lebanon TN. (Approximately 2 miles south of Flippers) (added 8/20/2011)
Rockwood, TN:
Calvin's Market, 322 N. Gateway Ave., Rockwood, TN 37854 865-354-2049
Ten Mile, TN:
Hackler's Supermarket/IGA, 1555 State Hwy 304, Ten Mile, TN 37880 423-334-5656
May 2011
Ethanol in Your Fuel
By Martha & Don Goodfellow
We recently passed a gas station with an “ethanol enriched” banner. This flawed advertising made us realize just how misunderstood the ethanol issues really are. Knowing the hazards of ethanol in our fuels is particularly important for those of us that value the reliability of our outboard engines.
A few years ago, our Federal Government developed legislation to allow gasoline with up to 10 percent ethanol added. Federal funds were granted to qualified manufacturers to convert crops (i.e. corn) to ethanol. This was fully intended to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by developing alternate fuel sources within the United States. Ethanol has similar combustion characteristics as gasoline. But it is not the same.
Time has now clearly shown the downsides to ethanol in our fuels. Ethanol does not yield as much energy as gasoline. Thus, your engine works harder to produce the same output. Gas mileage drops 10% or more. “Phase separation” is the most significant issue.
Phase separation occurs as ethanol attracts moisture over time. This causes ethanol and water to separate from the gas and settle to the bottom of the tank. The severity of the separation is affected by the humidity and by the length of time that the fuel sits idle. Since most of us use our outboards all year, we don’t see the most significant affects. We’ve read that we should not let ethanol fuels sit idle for more than 8 weeks, particularly in humid conditions.
Since fuel is pulled from the bottom of the tank, any ethanol/water separation layer is pulled into the engine fuel injectors or carburetors. Besides fouling the fuel system, water in the mixture attacks metal/iron parts; i.e. rust. And, the concentrated ethanol can attack rubber and plastic parts. The net affect can be a rather expensive engine overhaul.
I recently overheard a conversation with our Ranger service department manager and a frustrated customer. The outboard being discussed had been idle for several weeks or more. The service required dismantling and cleaning the fuel system at a cost of $400. It would be more if parts needed replacing.
There are some steps that can significantly reduce your ethanol issues:
· Seek out gas stations that carry “ethanol free” fuels. There are several in our South Carolina Upstate. The cost is typically $0.10/gallon more than ethanol fuels. However, the improved gas mileage far off-sets this cost. We routinely measure a 10% drop in fuel economy in our long distance car trips using ethanol fuels.
· According to experts at Mercury Marine, the best way to store a boat is with the tank completely empty. Since this is not reasonable for most of us, the next best is to store the boat with the tank completely full. This allows less room for air, thus less moisture can enter the tank.
· If you can disconnect your fuel line from the tank …… pump a small amount into a clear glass container. Check for the tell-tale yellow mixture that will smell different than gas.
· Discuss possible fuel additives with your local boat dealers. We know of no additives that will eliminate ethanol phase separation, but you can be sure that someone somewhere is working on this. And, please let us all know what you find!
· You can also contact your U.S. Congressmen to let them understand that time has clearly shown the ethanol flaws. Contacting your State or Local Officials could also help make “ethanol free” fuels available as more people learn about it.
Ethanol in Your Fuel
By Martha & Don Goodfellow
We recently passed a gas station with an “ethanol enriched” banner. This flawed advertising made us realize just how misunderstood the ethanol issues really are. Knowing the hazards of ethanol in our fuels is particularly important for those of us that value the reliability of our outboard engines.
A few years ago, our Federal Government developed legislation to allow gasoline with up to 10 percent ethanol added. Federal funds were granted to qualified manufacturers to convert crops (i.e. corn) to ethanol. This was fully intended to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by developing alternate fuel sources within the United States. Ethanol has similar combustion characteristics as gasoline. But it is not the same.
Time has now clearly shown the downsides to ethanol in our fuels. Ethanol does not yield as much energy as gasoline. Thus, your engine works harder to produce the same output. Gas mileage drops 10% or more. “Phase separation” is the most significant issue.
Phase separation occurs as ethanol attracts moisture over time. This causes ethanol and water to separate from the gas and settle to the bottom of the tank. The severity of the separation is affected by the humidity and by the length of time that the fuel sits idle. Since most of us use our outboards all year, we don’t see the most significant affects. We’ve read that we should not let ethanol fuels sit idle for more than 8 weeks, particularly in humid conditions.
Since fuel is pulled from the bottom of the tank, any ethanol/water separation layer is pulled into the engine fuel injectors or carburetors. Besides fouling the fuel system, water in the mixture attacks metal/iron parts; i.e. rust. And, the concentrated ethanol can attack rubber and plastic parts. The net affect can be a rather expensive engine overhaul.
I recently overheard a conversation with our Ranger service department manager and a frustrated customer. The outboard being discussed had been idle for several weeks or more. The service required dismantling and cleaning the fuel system at a cost of $400. It would be more if parts needed replacing.
There are some steps that can significantly reduce your ethanol issues:
· Seek out gas stations that carry “ethanol free” fuels. There are several in our South Carolina Upstate. The cost is typically $0.10/gallon more than ethanol fuels. However, the improved gas mileage far off-sets this cost. We routinely measure a 10% drop in fuel economy in our long distance car trips using ethanol fuels.
· According to experts at Mercury Marine, the best way to store a boat is with the tank completely empty. Since this is not reasonable for most of us, the next best is to store the boat with the tank completely full. This allows less room for air, thus less moisture can enter the tank.
· If you can disconnect your fuel line from the tank …… pump a small amount into a clear glass container. Check for the tell-tale yellow mixture that will smell different than gas.
· Discuss possible fuel additives with your local boat dealers. We know of no additives that will eliminate ethanol phase separation, but you can be sure that someone somewhere is working on this. And, please let us all know what you find!
· You can also contact your U.S. Congressmen to let them understand that time has clearly shown the ethanol flaws. Contacting your State or Local Officials could also help make “ethanol free” fuels available as more people learn about it.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ETHANOL IN GAS...
EFFECTS OF ETHANOL ON OUTBOARDS:
“Ethanol leaches moisture from the air, which can lead to water contamination in the fuel tank and cause severe damage to an outboard. It also acts as a solvent that can eat away at fuel lines and cause deposits to break free and clog injectors and carburetors…”
Use ethanol free gas. You will get better gas mileage and it’s better for your outboard and autos.
“Ethanol leaches moisture from the air, which can lead to water contamination in the fuel tank and cause severe damage to an outboard. It also acts as a solvent that can eat away at fuel lines and cause deposits to break free and clog injectors and carburetors…”
Use ethanol free gas. You will get better gas mileage and it’s better for your outboard and autos.
"Time to Repeal the Ethanol Mandate", http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2008/05/Time-to-Repeal-the-Ethanol-Mandate
Ethanol Free articles:
"Bassmaster" magazine
1) November 2009, "Not So Corny fuel Problems", page 14
2) November 2009, "E-10 And Me", page 78
MORE ABOUT USE OF ETHANOL IN GAS AND WHY TO USE ETHANOL FREE GAS:
Ethanol has been in our fuels for a few years now. The original intent was to develop alternative fuels. A major emphasis was on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Time has revealed significant problems associated with ethanol in our fuels. Problems in marine applications are particularly serious. And, fuel efficiency (gas mileage) is also affected.
These issues have caused me to locate and use fuel sources that do not contain ethanol. We’ve had good results with our outboard and with our vehicles.
“Fuel Testers” has conducted a series of studies on this subject. The web-site page relating to marine applications is:
www.fuel-testers.com/marine_boat_ethanol_problems.html
A summary from this page …….
When using E10 ethanol alcohol fuels, special precautions are necessary with marine engines because:
· E10 and E85 ethanol blend fuels have an affinity to absorb amazing amounts of water, very quickly, compared to conventional non-alcohol gasoline.
· Ethanol alcohol is a great solvent and cleaner, that can dissolve engine parts (rubber, plastic, aluminum, and certain fiberglass tanks), dry out hoses, remove lubrication, and more.
· Engine seals and hoses shrink, swell, or lose strength when exposed to ethanol reformulated gasoline.
· Water is actually dissolved in an ethanol blended fuel and phase separation occurs much sooner (i.e. water separates rapidly).
· The shelf life of ethanol blend fuels is much lower due to its water-absorbing and corrosive qualities. Replacing gasoline every 2 to 4 weeks is usually recommended with E10. 90 days is the maximum shelf-life recommended.
· The amount of ethanol blended is not closely monitored. This results in a wide range of ethanol at the pumps.
Ethanol has been in our fuels for a few years now. The original intent was to develop alternative fuels. A major emphasis was on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Time has revealed significant problems associated with ethanol in our fuels. Problems in marine applications are particularly serious. And, fuel efficiency (gas mileage) is also affected.
These issues have caused me to locate and use fuel sources that do not contain ethanol. We’ve had good results with our outboard and with our vehicles.
“Fuel Testers” has conducted a series of studies on this subject. The web-site page relating to marine applications is:
www.fuel-testers.com/marine_boat_ethanol_problems.html
A summary from this page …….
When using E10 ethanol alcohol fuels, special precautions are necessary with marine engines because:
· E10 and E85 ethanol blend fuels have an affinity to absorb amazing amounts of water, very quickly, compared to conventional non-alcohol gasoline.
· Ethanol alcohol is a great solvent and cleaner, that can dissolve engine parts (rubber, plastic, aluminum, and certain fiberglass tanks), dry out hoses, remove lubrication, and more.
· Engine seals and hoses shrink, swell, or lose strength when exposed to ethanol reformulated gasoline.
· Water is actually dissolved in an ethanol blended fuel and phase separation occurs much sooner (i.e. water separates rapidly).
· The shelf life of ethanol blend fuels is much lower due to its water-absorbing and corrosive qualities. Replacing gasoline every 2 to 4 weeks is usually recommended with E10. 90 days is the maximum shelf-life recommended.
· The amount of ethanol blended is not closely monitored. This results in a wide range of ethanol at the pumps.
Other web site with locations of where to buy Ethanol Free Fuel:Pure-Gas.org