How hard on 2 cycle engines is ethanol blended gas?

Question

I have been hearing that the 15% ethanol blended gas that is at most pumps around here is horribly hard on 2 cycle engines, outboard boat motors, snowmobiles, chainsaws etc.

What I am told is it damages seals in the carbs and fuel pumps as well as washing some of the lubricant off cylinder walls. My recent experiences with boat motors seems to be bearing this out. What can a person do to avoid these problems?

Answer 1

Mercury Marine has done extensive testing with ethanol additives, Check out their website go to service and warranty, and have a look at the piece on ethanol.  Without going into alot of detail, the consensus seems to be that if you follow certain recomendations, there should be no harm.  Whatever the results, ethanol blends are here!