According to the
2008 PCM engine manual for my MB, more than 10% ethanol will be very bad and void my warranty:
GASOLINE CONTAINING ALCOHOL The implementation of ethanol-based fuel is spreading rapidly throughout the United States. As such, PCM Engines provides the following information regarding the use of this fuel.
This information addresses the use of ethanol fuels in PCM ENGINES ONLY. It does not address the use of ethanol fuels in vessel related components such as boat gas tanks, boat fuel lines, etc.
Ethanol blended fuel rated E10 or less is acceptable to use.
Fuels rated higher than E10 SHOULD NOT BE USED. Ethanol fuels rated higher than E10 could potentially damage the engine and/or present an unsafe boating condition. Damage to the engine resulting from the use of ethanol fuel rated higher than E10 IS NOT covered by the warranty. If ethanol blended fuel rated E10 or less is used, or if the presence of alcohol is uncertain, more frequent inspections and service of the complete fuel system are required. Any sign of fuel leakage or deterioration must be repaired immediately before further engine operation.
It is important to note that ethanol blended fuel will act as a solvent and will attract and hold moisture. Without proper fuel stabilization and fuel fi ltration, ethanol blended fuel may cause the following:
• Excessive moisture (water) may cause lean operation to include hard starting and operating difficulties such as, vapor lock, low speed stalling, and shortened fuel shelf life.
• Acting as a solvent, ethanol blended fuel may cause gum, sediment, sludge, and other particles to be loosened and carried through the fuel system to the engine. Fuel system or engine damage caused by contamination from water, foreign particles, sludge, or gums entering or forming in the fuel system is not covered by the PCM Limited Warranty.
Fuel Stabilizer Recommendations for Ethanol Blend Fuel. The use of a commercially available fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL®, is recommended when storing ethanol-blended fuel for more than 2 weeks.
Most of the people in government who will try to push this through probably consider it an important benefit if it wrecks our engines, as punishment for the use of those engines. They are rich enough to replace their own equipment whenever needed anyway.