Ethanol Gasoline (E10)

Ethanol Gasoline (E10) is an Oregon state mandated mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Ethanol-blended fuel is sold in all 50 states and accounts for about 1/3 of all vehicle sales. It's intended to produce a higher octane rating than regular gasoline and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Only five states – Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Hawaii and Oregon have laws mandating all gasoline sold in their states to be blended with a 10% ethanol mixture. Florida will become the sixth state in 2011 to have the same requirement.

Since January 2009, Oregon state mandate has required all gasoline must contain at least 10% ethanol (E10) but due to problems with engines in marine, aviation, yard equipment and older model cars, premium “clear” gasoline was made available at some stations on January 1, 2010. MNOP has non-ethanol premium gasoline available at their Claxter Road location.

Please see our Marc Nelson Oil Products Gasoline page for a more detailed description of E10.

“Ethanol is a solvent. It can help clean combustion chambers, and scour your fuel delivery systems, fuel tanks, fuel lines and fuel injectors. Ethanol also attracts water, unlike regular gasoline which repels it, and that could potentially cause problems. Over time, E10 will break loose any deposits of dirt or water currently suspended in your fuel tank. This can potentially cause fuel filter clogging, and the possibility of fuel injector issues. Ethanol can also cause corrosion and attack certain gaskets and rubber parts in engines. You may notice changes in your gas mileage when you fill up your tank with an ethanol blend. Some studies have shown that fuel economy may decrease slightly by one to four miles per gallon, but there are many variables that impact your mileage.” by Earl Baker, AAA Oregon Approved Auto Repair Coordinator.

PRECAUTIONS FOR BOAT OWNERS USING E-10 GASOLINE

• Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat's fuel system at all times.  Recommended for engines that sit for a lengthy period.

• The more use the boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems.

• If you winterize your boat and don't plan on using it for a while, keep your tank 95% FULL to prevent any condensation but allow room for expansion. It's important to avoid water intrusion into your fuel system.

• Install a water-separating fuel filter.

• Keep a stock of spare fuel filters handy, and the means for safely changing them.

• Replace older weather-faded plastic portable tanks with new tanks.

• Make sure you know what your fuel retailer is dispensing.

• Rubber fuel lines older than the mid-to-late 1980's should be inspected and may need to be replaced.

• Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning. Consult the engine manufacturer for details.