SENTRY FUEL TREATMENTS BLOG
Welcome to our Blog
by Allen Clark on 05/27/10
Sentry fuel treatments unique adaptive hydrocarbon technology make them the only COMPLETE fuel treatments available on the market today. They have time tested and proven positive effects on all fuel problems. Sentry Treatments eliminate all Fuel / Water problems, Increase Lubrication and Stabilize fuel.
I read this on Capt. Jerry Dilsavers website
by Allen Clark on 05/26/10
I took a copy of this from Capt. Jerry Dilsavers website http://www.captjerry.com
Ethanol is an alcohol made from corn that is added to some gasoline to help oxygenate it and reduce emissions. Unfortunately, it has a lot of bad effects, especially in marine engines and fuel systems. Ethanol attracts water, which bonds with it and the bad things begin.
One of the most crippling things with ethanol is that when combined with water it becomes both a corrosive and a solvent. The corrosive part of it degrades metal components in the fuel system and dumps the particles into the fuel. The solvent part begins cleaning old stains and gum deposits in the fuel tank, lines, fuel pumps, carburetors, injectors and dumps this back into the fuel system. There are also numerous instances of the solvent actually breaking down the resins in fiberglass and plastic tanks until the tanks begin leaking. Of course the resins are then added to the fuel also.
Another problem with ethanol fuels is called phase separation. This occurs when the ethanol attracts so much water it becomes heavier than the gasoline and separates to the bottom of the tank. This makes the mixture in the fuel tank a two-level mixture of alcohol with water and gas. The motor then won't run and it would cause damage if it did.
Most marine engines made in the past 10 years are certified to run on ethanol mixtures up to 10 per cent (E-10), but that doesn't always take into effect the problems in the fuel tank and fuel delivery system.
The best way to handle this would be to avoid buying gas with ethanol. Unfortunately, pumps are not required to be labeled unless the ethanol mixture exceeds 10 per cent (E-10). Asking the attendant or cashier is the way to find out. Many marinas are going the extra mile to stock ethanol free gas, but it would be wise to call and verify it in advance.
Two things can be done to help when using gas with ethanol. A 10 micron water separating fuel filter will trap most of the corrosion, sediment and water. However, when used alone, it will require frequent changing. The other thing is to religiously use a fuel treatment.
There are numerous fuel treatments and stabilizers available. Whatever you choose, be sure it is recommended for ethanol fuel. In searching for the best fuel treatment, I was recommended to Sentry Fuel Treatment by Total Fuel Solutions in St. Petersburg, Fla. Rather than adding ethers, octane boosters and such, Sentry Fuel Treatment is a chemical system that microencapsulates the water and isolates it.
I'm not a chemist, but I know what I have seen and done and the results. When the water molecules are microencapsulated, they will not blend with the ethanol and create the solvents. The corrosion is stopped and it doesn't break down the old fuel deposits in the tank or weaken the bonds in fiberglass or plastic resins. The water will also pass through the mesh of the filter and burn in the engine.
There are several versions for both gas and diesel. The standard version is for fuel that will be used within a month. Gasoline Plus is recommended for marine use and other situations where gas will be stored longer than a month. There is even one version called Ethanol Rx for extreme situations.
Every marine mechanic I have spoken with in the past year has numerous horror stories regarding ethanol problems in marine engines, especially outboards. I have shown the Sentry Fuel Treatment to several dealers in the area and they said they would be checking on it. I don't know that anyone is stocking it yet, but the folks at Sentry can tell you.
It resurrected a lawnmower for me and now I use it in all my boat gas. I would use it in my truck, but gas doesn't stay in it long enough to break down anything or collect water.
