Ethanol in fuel

This is a service update sent to me by Crusader Corp. on 10/2006 regarding ethanol in fuel:

This product information update addresses the use of ethanol blended fuel and it's effects on Crusader engines. The implementation of ethanol-based fuel is spreading rapidly throughout the United States. As such, Crusader Engines provides the following information regarding the use of this fuel.

Ethanol blended fuel rated E-10 or less is acceptable to use. Fuels rated higher than E-10 SHOULD NOT BE USED. Ethanol fuels rated higher than E-10 could potentially damage the engine and/or present an unsafe boating condition. Damage to the engine due to fuel rated higher than E-10 is NOT covered by the warranty. DO NOT use any gasoline containing methanol. This very corrosive a will create an unsafe boating condition.

It is important to note that ethanol blended fuel will act as a solvent and will attract and hold moisture. Without proper fuel stabilization and fuel filtration, ethanol blended fuel may cause the following:
- Excessive moisture(water) may cause lean operation to include hard starting and operating difficulties such as, vapor lock, low speed stalling and shortened fuel shelf life.
- Acting as a solvent, ethanol blended fuel may cause gum, sediment, sludge and other particles to be loosened and carried through the fuel system to the engine.

Fuel Stabilizer Recommended for Ethanol Blended Fuel
The use of a commercially available fuel stabilizer, such as Star Tron or Sta-Bil is recommended when storing ethanol blended fuel for more the 2 weeks.

New Fuel Filter Recommendations for Ethanol Blended Fuels
Because ethanol blended fuel will act as a solvent and will attract and hold moisture, Crusader Engines recommends the use of a water separating fuel filter, for each engine, between the fuel tank and the engine.
The filter must be rated for gas use and have a 10 micron filtering capability and a minimum rating of 90 gallons per hour. Water separating fuel filters should be checked frequently for water and contaminants.
WARNING
Accumulation of water and other fuel contaminants may form corrosive compounds that can damage the fuel filter and result in leakage. Ethanol blended fuel may increase this risk. For this reason, annual replacement of the fuel filter, at a minimum, is required to avoid risk of explosion or fire.

Crusader Engines recommends that the fuel/water separating fuel filter be mounted as low as possible, relative to the fuel source, away from heat and easily accessible.
Pflieger Marine Service recommends Crusader part number RA080033 fuel filter assembly. This, as well as the replacement elements, can be purchased at a great price at www.marinediscounters.com .

We were taught that ethanol blended fuel, if not stabilized, will start to break down in 21 days. It will beak down over time to water directly by 10%. If a 100 gallon tank was to be not used through the summer , then stored through the winter, unstabilized, this tank can have 10 gallons of water in it come the spring. I am giving this information to you to help you avoid the problems that I fix on my customers boats everyday.

Pflieger Marine Service prefers the Star Tron product, especially for diesel. The product is less expensive than StaBil and goes farther. For the diesel guys, why spend 20.00 for a water absorber, 18.00 for a stabilizer and then another24.00 for an antimicrobial? The Star Tron does all of this in one product and I sell the 32 oz. size for around 21.00 at www.marinediscounters.com