Maunufacturer Ethanol E10 Fuel Recommendations

Marine, Automobiles, Motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles,

ATV's, Snowmobiles, Lawn and Gas Powered Equipment

E10 Fuel Use Tips:

#1 Check your owner's manual to determine if your engine was designed to run on E10 blends of fuel.

#2 Many engines manufactured prior to the late 1990's were not designed for E10 oxygenated renewable (reformulated) fuels.

#3 Modifications can be made to most engines to enable use of E10 gas; (Check with your mechanic, may require replacement of parts).

#4 All manufacturers currently prohibit use of gas containing over 10% ethanol, and most warranties clearly state that repairs will not be covered when gas in tank contains over 10% legal limit of ethanol. In the U.S. only flex-fuel vehicles are designed to use over 10% ethanol (E85). Check your gas cap.

ACE is currently trying to convince engine manufacturers + EPA to allow up to 15% ethanol in conventional gas - View.

Below are examples of engine manufacturers that have issued warnings or prohibit use of E10.

Marine - Boats

Manufacturers that prohibit (or have prohibited in older engines) use of E10 fuel or issue warnings include:

Bombardier - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - Quote, "Never use fuel containing alcohol...". See note.

Mercury Marine - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - Quote, "We do not recommend the use of gasoline which contains alcohol because of the possible adverse effect the alcohol may have on the fuel system...may cause the following problems: corrosion of metal parts, deterioration of plastic parts, damage of internal parts, starting and operating difficulties, and water lock.". See note.

Nissan - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Gasoline containing alcohol may cause: wear and damage to bearings, cams, pistons and piston gears, corrosion of metal parts, deterioration of rubber and plastic parts, idling and performance problems.".

Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Alcohol attracts and holds moisture that can cause corrosion of metallic parts in the fuel system and can cause engine performance problems.". (OMC was acquired by BRP Bombardier Recreational Products at the end of 2003.

Pleasurecraft Engine Group - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - Quote, "Gasoline containing alcohol is not recommended for use in your engine and may cause the following: hard starting and operating difficulties, corrosion of metal parts, excessive wear and damage to internal engine parts, fuel permeation through flexible fuel lines, and deterioration of some nonmetallic parts.". See note.

Suzuki - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Suzuki highly recommends that you use alcohol-free unleaded gasoline whenever possible..."

Manufacturers that allow use of E10 fuel includes (2003 data):

Honda - Indmar Marine - Yamaha - See Note.

* Note: Marine data listed above from report in 2003 by Ethanol RFA and Hermann & Associates;

Since then (2004 to 2009) almost all marine manufacturers now allow use of E10 fuel, although several still issue strong warnings against it's use and/or specific precautions necessary. Check your boat engine owners manual for specific recommendations and warnings.

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Automobiles

Manufacturers that prohibit use of E10 fuel or issue warnings include:

Ferrari - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - "...we suggest that our customers not use alcohol fuel in our vehicles.".

Hyundai - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "If your engine develops driveability problems, the use of 100% unleaded gasoline is recommended.".

Kia - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Discontinue using gasahol of any kind if driveability problems occur...".

Porsche - E10 warnings/precautions only- Quote, "...change to a different fuel or station if any of the following problems occur: deterioration of driveability and performance, substantially reduced fuel economy, vapor lock, and engine malfunction or stalling".

Volkswagen/Audi - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "If you experience a loss of fuel economy or driveability and performance problems due to the use of [ethanol blends], we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.".

Manufacturers that allow use of E10 fuel includes:

Bentley - BMW - DaimlerChrysler - Ford - General Motors - Honda/Acura - Hyundai - Isuzu - Jaguar - Kia - Land Rover - Mazda - Mercedes-Benz - Mitsubishi - Nissan/Infiniti - Porsche - Rolls Royce - Saab - Subaru - Suzuki - Toyota - Volkswagen/Audi - Volvo

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Motorcycles

Manufacturers that prohibit use of E10 fuel or issue warnings include:

Ducati - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - Quote, "Additives to fuel or lubricants are not allowed.".

Harley Davidson - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "You may find that some [ethanol] gasoline blends affect the starting, driveability, or fuel efficiency of your motorcycle. If you experience one or more of these problems, it is recommended you operate your motorcycle on straight unleaded gasoline.".

Suzuki - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "If you are not satisfied with the driveability or fuel economy with your motorcycle when you are using an oxygenated fuel, you should switch back to regular unleaded gasoline.".

Manufacturers that allow use of E10 fuel includes:

BMW - Honda - Kawasaki - Polaris - Yamaha

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Lawn Equipment

Manufacturers that prohibit use of E10 fuel or issue warnings include:

Ariens (EZR Easy Turn Mower) - Prohibits use of E10 fuel - Quote, "DO NOT use gasohol ot gasoline containing alcohol. Alcohol will cause internal parts to deteriorate.".

Murray (Lawn Tractor) - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "A mixture of alcohol and gasoline will attract moisture and cause acid deposits during storage.".

Poulan (Chain Saw) - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels can attract moisture which leads to fuel mixture separation and formation of acids during storage."

Sears (Craftsman Tiller) - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels can attract moisture which leads to fuel mixture separation and formation of acids during storage.".

Briggs and Stratton - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Some fuels are gasoline blended with alcohols or ethers. Excessive amounts of these blends can damage the fuel system or cause performance problems. If any undesirable operating conditions occur, use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.".

Manufacturers that allow use of E10 fuel includes:

Agco (500 Series Lawn Tractor) - Billy Goat (Quiet Blow Blower) - Echo (Grass Trimmer, Power Blower, Tiller/Cultivator) - Homelite (Ranger Chain Saw, Yard Broom) - Honda (Rotary Lawn Mower) - Husqvarna (Ranger 55 Chain Saw) - John Deere (Rotary Lawn Mower, Snowblowers) - Lawn Boy (GoldPro Series Lawn Mower) - Manties (Tiller Model) - Massey Ferguson (Lawn Tractor) - Simplicity (Lawn Tractor) - Snapper (Riding Mowers) - Toro (Lawn Mower) - Troy Bilt (Tillers) - Kohler - Tecumseh Products Company.

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Small Gas-Powered Equipment

Manufacturers that prohibit use of E10 fuel or issue warnings include:

Generac Power Systems (Portable Power Generator) - E10 warnings/precautions only - Quote, "Alcohol blended fuels can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.".

Manufacturers that allow use of E10 fuel includes:

Coleman (Powermate Pressure Washer).

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Recreational Vehicles, ATV's, Snowmobiles - Will be added soon.

"Quoted data" from Ethanol RFA, Renewable Fuel Association reports published by Herman & Associates and EPA between 2003-2006). Request Full Report (PDF File)