SPECIFICATIONS
24
USING REFORMULATED (OXYGENATED) FUELS (USA
ONLY)
This type of fuel is required in certain areas of the U.S. The two types of
oxygenates used in these fuels are alcohol (Ethanol) or Ether (MTBE or
ETBE). If Ethanol is the oxygenate that is used in the gasoline in your
area, refer to the Fuel Containing Alcohol section.
These reformulated fuels are acceptable for use in your Mercury engine.
FUEL CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If the fuel in your area contains either methanol (methyl alcohol) or
ethanol (ethyl alcohol), you should be aware of certain adverse effects
that can occur. These adverse effects are more severe with methanol.
Increasing the percentage of alcohol in the fuel can also worsen these
adverse effects.
Some of these adverse effects are caused because the alcohol in the fuel
can absorb moisture from the air, resulting in a separation of the water/
alcohol from the gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel system components on your Mercury engine will withstand up
to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline. We do not know what percentage
your boat’s fuel system will withstand. Contact your boat manufacturer
for specific recommendations on the boats fuel system components (fuel
tanks, fuel lines, and fittings).
Fuel containing alcohol may increase:
• Corrosion of metal parts.
• Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts.
• Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines.
• Starting and operating difficulties.
!
CAUTION
When operating a Mercury engine with fuel containing alcohol, avoid
storing the fuel in the fuel tank for long periods of time. Long storage
periods, common to boats, create unique problems. In cars,
alcohol‑blend fuels are normally consumed before they can absorb
enough moisture to cause trouble. However, boats often sit idle long
enough for phase separation to take place. In addition, internal
corrosion may take place during storage if alcohol has washed
protective oil films from internal components.
IMPORTANT: Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline,
it is recommended that only alcohol‑free fuel be used where possible.
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