Ethanol raises safety concerns PersonalWatercraft.com March 13, 2008 Shares Comments Group says more research required into blended fuelsA group of consumer, manufacturing and gasoline retailer associations wants further study into the use of mid-level ethanol blends in conventional vehicles and products. AllSAFE, whose members include the American Motorcyclist Association, the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, agrees with the authors of a report who say that additional testing is required. The report, released March 5 by the State of Minnesota and the Renewable Fuels Association, examined the use of E20, a gasoline fuel blend containing 20% ethanol. The Environmental Protection Agency currently restricts the amount of ethanol to 10% for use in conventional equipment. “It is much too early to draw definitive conclusions about E20’s compatibility with products or vehicles not designed for use with this fuel, considering that other studies have shown it may harm catalysts, increase emissions, and cause premature product/vehicle failure,” says AllSAFE representative Kris Kiser. Results of the study could impact the use of gasoline in a variety of devices from vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft and motorcycles to equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. AllSAFE estimates a total of 240 million vehicles and 100 million small engine products in the US that may be affected. “This study falls far short of what is needed to answer important technical questions or determine national fuel policy. Vehicles must undergo very comprehensive testing, and small engines such as lawn and garden equipment, motorboats and many other products must also be thoroughly studied,” says Kiser. “Emissions data, including exhaust, evaporative and permeation effects, are particularly important, as well as safety, product performance and consumer satisfaction.” Share Share Subscribe Like PersonalWatercraft.com on Facebook Comments Most Popular Top Guns: Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 vs. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO July 4, 2022 2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review January 17, 2024 Yamaha Unveils New 1.9 Liter Engine August 14, 2023 2023 Sea-Doo GTR 230 Review June 6, 2023 2008 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 250X Review July 11, 2008 2014 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review July 3, 2014 Latest Stories 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 Review Heavy Haulers – PWC Storage Options First Look: 2025 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler 2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review 2024 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx Review Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Newsletter