E10 Ethanol Fuel Problem?

[Maxum2300scr]

Hi All,
We have recently seen the introduction of E10 Ethanol fuel here in the UK (that equates to 10% Ethanol being added to our petrol(Gas) at the pump)

Do any of you know if this will cause any problems to my Mercruiser 5.7 v8 fitted with a Rochester 4bbl carb and coupled to an Alpha 1 gen II ? As I can not seem to get an answer from anyone locally

[mmwjr]

I’ve been using E10 in my 1997 5.7 with a Weber carburetor since 2008 without issues. Just be sure to add stabilizer for long layups such as winterization.

[Maxum2300scr]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your reply. This helps to put my mind at ease, as here in UK this is creating a lot of concern, with some just opting to use the more expensive SUPER UNLEADED fuel as this does not contain 10% Ethanol.

Jamie.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Maxum2300scr

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your reply. This helps to put my mind at ease, as here in UK this is creating a lot of concern, with some just opting to use the more expensive SUPER UNLEADED fuel as this does not contain 10% Ethanol.

Jamie.

Hi Jamie,

When E10 first came out there was similar concerns here in the US. Some older boats did have issues with fuel lines and fuel tanks made of a plastic resin that the alcohol attacked. The result was a gooey mess in the fuel system and engine. Worst case for you would be replacing any rubber fuel line with new line rated for E10. I did not have to do so in my boat.

[Maxum2300scr]

Hi Mike,

Thanks I will check the fuel line, does this also apply to the larger filler pipe to the tank? I have an aluminium tank so hopefully no concerns there.

Jamie

[mmwjr]

Yes it can apply to the fill line but fuel doesn’t spend much time in it so it less of a concern.

[donald]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

I’ve been using E10 in my 1997 5.7 with a Weber carburetor since 2008 without issues. Just be sure to add stabilizer for long layups such as winterization.

I have not had any issues using E10 in my 95 2400.
Just do as Mike recommends.
Don

[shrew]

What year is the boat? If the fuel line is a pre-ethanol era fuel line, I would replace it with one designed to handle ethanol. I use either Startron or seafoam along with Stabil for marine gas engines specifically for ethanol, with each fill up.