Products that DELAY phase separation.
Stabil (Gold Eagle) and Startron Marine Fuel Enzyme treatment (Starbrite) are 2 popular petroleum based gas additives that can effectively delay phase-separation. They are petroleum-based and are safe for use in E10 fuel.
For prevention in high-risk engines, Fuel-Testers also recommends Gas Shok, a new and very effective product by USA Fuel Services.
They do not remove water, but they will extend the life of E10 fuel by delaying phase separation.
Most petroleum based "fuel stabilizers" have similar ingredients and actions. This type of product will also help to prevent phase separation when engine is stored and sedentary.
They delay phase-separation basically by suspending (breaking down) water molecules in the petroleum layer.
- Fuel-Testers only concern with these products is that by only "delaying" phase-separation, the engine owner may be fooled into thinking he/she no longer needs to replace E10 gas frequently (every few weeks), and follow all other necessary precautions.
Keep in mind, when you leave e10 in a tank for more than 2-3 months (even with a fuel stabilizer), you still may have water-diluted and lean fuel, whether it is phase-separated or not.
If you have experienced repeated water absorption problems with E10 ethanol-blends, we strongly advise you purchase NON-ethanol 100% gasoline.
Always check with your engine manufacturer or a certified dealer before using any gas additives.
With E10 blends, non-additive precautions are always best.
When all precautions fail, (and ethanol-free gasoline is not available), if you're stuck with a tankful of phase separated gasoline, Hydroburn G a new additive by Cim-tek can remove the water, in lieu of hiring a company that can properly filter and purify the fuel and/or draining and discarding the fuel. We do NOT recommend use of Hydroburn for prevention - Hydroburn does contain alcohol and other strong solvents. Only use when you are certain gas contains excess water or is phase-separated.
Again, always check with engine manufacturer or a certified mechanic, before using any gas additives or fuel treatment products.
--------------
Products that can maintain and/or increase fuel octane:
Due to excess water absorption with ethanol blends (lean fuel from excess water), sometimes it is necessary to add an octane enhancer to E10. Because pure ethanol octane reading is about 111-113, many octane-enhancing additives contain ethanol/alcohols - always check product ingredients. Phase separation always causes a drop in octane.
Octane Boost 104 (Gold Eagle) is an octane booster/enhancer.
--------------
Fuel-Testers Note/Disclainer: All product names included here are registered trademark of their respective companies. Fuel-Testers Company (a division of MLR Solutions) provides information (and our opinions) for informational purposes only. We can not guarantee any products we mention will be useful, effective or safe for your specific needs and engine. Always consult a certified mechanic or engine manufacturer before adding any fuel additive to your motor's gas tank.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ethanol alcohol is now blended into most gasoline sold at public pumps.
Ethanol is a strong solvent/cleanser and drying agent that attracts water into gas. E10 gas can cause engine damage, poor performance, wear-down parts and lower mpg. E10 gas in unstable and can contaminate with water in only a couple of weeks (maximum shelf life =3 months).
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Signs E10 Gasoline is Contaminated with Alcohol and Water.
For years Fuel Testers Company has been educating many on how to safely manage E10 blends of gasoline. We are often asked,
"What additive will fix or stop the problems with E10 gas?"
We usually hesitate to recommend any gas additive products with E10, since NON-additive precautions are usually all that is necessary -
Ethanol is an alcohol, strong solvent, degreaser, antifreeze, water absorber, etc.
Many gas additives contain alcohol and other ingredients that have the same exact effect as the
(up to 10%) ethanol now found at most gas stations.
Following all e10 precautions, which includes replacing gas every couple weeks, is better/safer/cheaper than constant use of unnecessary and often risky or harmful gas additives.
There are a handful of additives we recommended with E10, but only for high risk or unique situations (prolonged storage, marine engines, etc.). Most E10-safe additives do not actually "remove water", or stop water from entering tank - They only "delay" the onset of phase separation.
Of course, there are many other methods to remove the water (manually), but none are without risk - since draining the lower water layer also removes most of the ethanol which is necessary to maintain original octane reading.
There is one new fuel additive, that can effectively REMOVE water from engine gas tanks and fuel storage tanks, while maintaining octane and preserving the quality and composition of gasoline called Hydroburn ®. Hydroburn contains strong solvents and alcohol and should only be used by those experienced in treatment of contaminated fuel. View review of Hydroburn product.
-------
041409 www.fuel-testers.com
Fuel-Testers, a division of MLR Solutions www.fuel-testers.com - Copyright 2006-2009 - All Rights Reserved.
Website contents cannot be copied or reproduced without permission. Contact Us.
www.fuel-testers.com
FUEL-TESTERS
Everything you need to know to safely manage ethanol & E10 gasoline...
Fuel-Testers: "There are only a handful of gas additives that are both safe and effective in managing E10 blends of gasoline..."
Fuel-Testers Recommendation - E10-Safe Gas Additives -
Discussion on other E10-safe gas additives:
Products that help to delay gasoline phase separation, improve octane and help deal with other negative side-effects of ethanol in fuel/oil/petroleum.
