E15 will replace E10! EPA deadline for comments =5/21/2009.

[fuel-buster]

This month, on April 21st, 2009, ACE, Growth Energy and 54 ethanol producers submitted a formal waiver application to the EPA, to get approval to increase E10 to E15. If approved, gas will contain 5% more ethanol.
E15 will replace E10 at all public pumps, if the EPA does not receive public opposition.
EPA deadline for public comments is May 21st 2009, less than 1 month away.

Increasing E10 to E15 makes no sense and will be costly for all consumers.
Marine engine owners and those with older engines not resistant to alcohol gas, will be hit the hardest.

- Not a single manufacturer approves of use of gas with 15% ethanol - 10% is the legal max...
(Check your owner's manual and warranty statement)
- High levels of alcohol damages engine parts and increases risk of water absorption...
- Ethanol blends have lower energy and reduce mpg...
- Ethanol (in gas) is subsidized by taxpayer money...
There are many more reasons why we must stop EPA approval of E15.
E85 (up to 85% ethanol) used only in flex-fuel automobiles is safe,
E15 used in conventional engines is not.

If you oppose E15, we strongly suggest all concerned citizens to review and respond to the EPA, as soon as possible.

E10 was approved by the EPA without restrictions, because no opposition was submitted -
Do not let this happen again!
More E15 waiver information and discussion (including EPA contacts):
http://www.fueltestkit.com/petition_e15.html
http://www.fueltestkit.com/epa_public_n ... 42109.html

The notice can also be found on the EPA's website and in the Federal Register.
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/200 ... /a9115.htm

(Since E10 has caused boaters so many problems, and I expect most marine engine owners oppose increase to 15%, please move this thread to main boating section, if allowed).

[Redbelly]

We are doomed!

[fuel-buster]

We are doomed!

Doomed -No, Inconvenienced with greater risk for engine damage and water absorption -Yes.
Most new engines can probably handle the 15% (?), and lower mpg might be only added cost - But I expect manufacturers will deny warranty claims when E15 used, since all engines list 10% as max allowed.

According to BRP rep J.C., in email he sent me on 3/16,
"Fuel system components on Evinrude and Johnson engines have been resistant to 10% ethanol by volume for over 20 years. Some areas outside of North America are running over 20% with out any problems. From what I have seen, it is not alcohol alone that can damage fuel system components on our engines. We have seen deteriorated stale fuel, contaminated fuel (water) or non recommended fuel additives damage fuel components.."

Do I believe his statement "20%" applies to all engines - Absolutely Not.
Regarding "fuel contaminated with water"-near to impossible to prevent water absorption in a marine engine - Ethanol attracts water - So unless you're replacing gas every week, 15% will make it much more difficult to prevent "contaminated fuel (water)".
So I guess manufacturers have 2 easy ways to deny claims, after E15 is at the pumps -
A shame nobody seems to care what's best for the marine engine owner, which is availability of NON-ethanol fuel.

The whole E15 increase makes no sense whatsoever.

For those who have time to read, here's an interesting detailed study comparing impacts of 10 and 20% on marine engines.
Supports over 10% is not recommended.
http://www.environment.gov.au/atmospher ... marine.pdf