what does anybody know about ethanol ?

[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Here's what I know about it. I have a 2005 Mercury Optimax 75 that I've been using since 2005. I've never bothered worrying about ethenol fuel because a search of the Mercury Marine website will turn up the following information regarding its use. I've never used an additive other than Stabil and always store the boat with a full fuel tank.[/#800000][/font]

The fuel-system components of Mercury engines will withstand up to 10 percent ethanol in gasoline - the maximum level currently allowed by the EPA in the U.S. There are some efforts to establish E-20 (20 percent ethanol mixed with 80 percent gasoline) for use in some areas, but that will require agreement from EPA to grant a waiver. Part of the EPA waiver process will require verification from studies that demonstrate that higher levels of ethanol do not create problems with fuel-system materials or operation of hardware. E-20 has not been extensively studied by Mercury and is not acceptable for use in Mercury products. E-85 fuels must not be used in any Mercury engines and could seriously damage current Mercury products. It is not legal in the U.S. to market any ethanol fuel as gasoline if it contains more than 10 percent ethanol.

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