⛽ How Ethanol Can Damage Your Boat’s Fuel System | Bergen Performance Marine

The Hidden Danger in Modern Fuel

You may not realize it, but the same gasoline that powers your car can quietly damage your boat’s engine and fuel system. Most pump gas today contains up to 10% ethanol (E10) — an alcohol-based additive designed to reduce emissions.

While fine for cars, ethanol and marine engines don’t mix well. Boats sit for long periods, often in humid environments, making ethanol-blended fuel especially harmful to tanks, lines, and carburetors.

At Bergen Performance Marine in Wyckoff, New Jersey, we’ve seen firsthand how ethanol can wreck a boat’s performance — and how proper maintenance and fuel treatment can prevent it.

What Is Ethanol and Why Is It a Problem?

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that attracts and absorbs moisture from the air — a process called phase separation.

When water mixes with ethanol-blended fuel, it separates inside your tank, creating two layers:

• A top layer of low-octane gasoline

• A bottom layer of water and ethanol

This lower layer is highly corrosive and can be drawn directly into your engine’s fuel system, leading to serious issues.

Common Problems Caused by Ethanol in Marine Engines

Here’s what ethanol-blended fuel can do over time:

• ⚙️ Corrosion of fuel tanks and lines – Ethanol attracts water, which leads to rust and pitting.

• 💧 Fuel system contamination – The separated ethanol-water layer causes misfires and rough running.

• 🧽 Damaged gaskets and seals – Ethanol can dry out rubber components and cause leaks.

• 🧊 Clogged carburetors or injectors – Water and varnish buildup reduce flow and fuel efficiency.

• 🚫 Reduced performance and power – Ethanol lowers fuel octane when separated, resulting in sluggish acceleration.

How to Protect Your Boat from Ethanol Damage

At Bergen Performance Marine, we help boaters prevent ethanol-related problems with professional maintenance and fuel system care:

🛠️ Fuel System Inspection

We inspect tanks, filters, and lines for early signs of corrosion or separation — catching issues before they become costly repairs.

⛽ Ethanol Treatment & Fuel Stabilization

We apply marine-grade fuel stabilizers that prevent phase separation and keep fuel fresh during storage.

🔧 Tank Cleaning & Fuel Polishing

For contaminated fuel, our team can flush, clean, and restore your system to peak condition.

🚤 Seasonal Maintenance & Winterization

When preparing your boat for winter, we make sure your fuel system is properly treated and protected against ethanol buildup.

Why Choose Bergen Performance Marine?

✅ Marine Performance Specialists – Trusted by Wyckoff and Bergen County boaters for years.
⚙️ Expert Diagnostics – We know how to spot ethanol-related issues fast.
🧰 Complete Service Solutions – From fuel system cleaning to custom performance upgrades.
🌊 Local Experience – We understand New Jersey’s boating conditions — and the unique fuel challenges that come with them.

The Bottom Line: Ethanol-Free Is the Way to Go

Whenever possible, use ethanol-free marine fuel (E0) — it burns cleaner, stores longer, and won’t damage your components. If you must use E10, always add a marine-grade stabilizer and run your engine regularly to circulate treated fuel.

Protect Your Engine Today

📍 Bergen Performance Marine – Wyckoff, NJ
Don’t let ethanol ruin your boating season. Our team can inspect, clean, and protect your fuel system before problems arise.

👉 Visit bergenperformancemarine.com or call us today to schedule your fuel system service or winterization.

Keep your engine running clean, strong, and ethanol-free!