FUEL & OIL
  58 eng
The fuel system components on your Mercury Marine 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 boat's fuel system components (fuel tanks, fuel lines, and
fittings). Be aware that gasolines containing alcohol may cause
increased:
• Corrosion of metal parts
• Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts
• Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines
• Starting and operating difficulties
!
 WARNING
Fuel  leakage  is  a  fire  or  explosion  hazard,  which  can  cause
serious  injury  or  death.  Periodically  inspect  all  fuel  system
components  for  leaks,  softening,  hardening,  swelling,  or
corrosion,  particularly  after  storage.  Any  sign  of  leakage  or
deterioration  requires  replacement  before  further  engine
operation.
Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline, it is
recommended that only alcohol‑free gasoline be used where
possible. If only fuel containing alcohol is available, or if the
presence of alcohol is unknown, increased inspection frequency
for leaks and abnormalities is required.
IMPORTANT: When operating a Mercury Marine engine on
gasoline containing alcohol, storage of gasoline in the fuel tank
for long periods should be avoided. Long periods of storage,
common to boats, create unique problems. In cars, alcohol‑blend
fuels normally are consumed before they can absorb enough
moisture to cause trouble, but 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.