USA: E15 fuel could destroy small engines, warns OPEI

Outdoor power equipment could be damaged by use of E15 fuel and is necessary to start a consumer education program, has warned the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Through a letter the OPEI, the trade association representing power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, expressed their concern about the EPA´s Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2017 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2018.

"Because all gasoline-fueled outdoor power equipment is designed and warranted to operate on E10 or less fuel, OPEI and its members are gravely concerned about the risk of inadvertent mis-fueling by consumers. Mis-fueling can damage or destroy small engines, leaving the consumer with costly repair or replacement costs," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.

According to the association U.S. consumers are misinformed about the characteristics of new fuel types and their effects of small engines. A study carried out by the OPEI revealed that only 5% of respondents knew that gasoline blends in excess of E10 are not approved for use in small engine.

Since 2014, OPEI has conducted its own consumer education campaign with the tagline "Look Before You Pump." More efforts like this campaign need to be undertaken, notes OPEI's letter to the EPA, so consumers are better informed to make fueling decisions.