Posted by Jeff on 02/22/06 - 4:33 PM
#1
This one thing has been rolling around in my head this past week. Mainly brought up by GM's "Go Yellow" ad campaign. This is the one where the are promoting their new line of vehicles that run on E85 ethanol or as the Auto Industry calls it "FLEXFUEL".
http://www.gm.com/company/onlygm/live...index.html
http://www.e85fuel.com/index.php/index.php
With car companies (not to mention the farmers growing the corn) having more lobbying power in Washington than the outboard / marine industry, with GWB calling the US's dependance on oil a national security threat, and with my job being tied directly in to the automotive industry as a whole, I am beginning to see a change starting. You will start seeing E85 at more and more at land based gas stations. We have about 12 -18 stations here in the Detroit area, and I typically fill up the boat on land. What will the future hold if this becomes a real mainstream fuel for recreation and transportation vehicles? Now, do not get me wrong, petroleum products are going to be around for the foreseeable future. But if E85 is a cheaper renewable source of fuel, and it will become more prevalent in or lives, Can it be run in your outboard? Can only new models run this fuel, or can the old carded motors run it as well?
I am not sure to tell you the truth but I was looking to see if anyone had any knowledge on this subject. Also, this weekend I will be heading down to the boat show here in Detroit. It is my birthday this week and I can not think of a better way to kill a day:D. But, I will be asking this question to see what responses I get. Wondering if any one else has asked the question yet?
Edited by Jeff on 02/22/06 - 4:39 PM
Posted by danedg on 02/24/06 - 8:21 PM
#2
Jeff,
My '67 BMW loved Sunoco 260. 110 octane airplane fuel! Loaded with lead it, spewed it into the atmosphere with the best of 'em.
My 2 stroke '79 Merc 70 hp outboard is one of the most efficient powerplants I know...it's run forever!
Will I put corn syrup in my Suzuki 4 stroke? No Way! It wasn't designed to burn that stuff!
Will I own a "rice burner" someday? You betcha! And I mean no disrespect by that...the "iron horse" must be put out to pasture.
But we will tell our grandkids of filling our boats and air and waters with poisons they won't believe...
I trust they will develop renewable fuels that will snap your head back with acceleration, burn soy based rubber, and leave nothing but a trail of hydrogen in their wakes...
Edited by danedg on 02/24/06 - 8:28 PM
Posted by Jeff on 02/28/06 - 2:58 PM
#3
Well, I got lots of odd looks when asking this question. Is it really that dumb of a question to ask? Any how, everyone stated that the manufactures recommend using atleast 89 oct (Verados and Yamahas 4s, E-Tecs 87) per manufacture specs listed in the owners manual. No one would say if E85 could be run. Many did say, in a salesmans fatherly voice "could void the warrenty". Oh well.