E5 Fuel for Marine Engines
E10 fuel may have its environmental advantages but E5 fuel is much healthier for your engines! Call Us on 01902 730717Great Britain adopted E10 fuel as its standard petrol grade in summer 2021, replacing E5. This shift to E10, which incorporates up to 10% renewable ethanol (compared to E5’s 5%), significantly enhances environmental friendliness by cutting CO2 emissions. Despite this, owners of older vehicles should be wary of the compatibility with their engines. Yamaha engines built before 2003 likely won’t run on E10 petrol, and the fuel can damage your engine.
Some disadvantages of E10 fuel for Yamaha engines include:
- Corrosive with metal components
- Damages seals and plastics, which dries them out
- Less efficient than E5 fuel, so you get less fuel for your money
- Absorbs water from the atmosphere, which causes condensation in fuel tanks, leading to settling at the bottom of the fuel tank and causing pump failure
- Poor cold starting
- Rough running
- Not great for performance and power increase
- Short storage life
*Never store your engine with E10 fuel- always remove the fuel from the tank and system.
NWS Marine will always recommend E5 fuel before E10. We see jet skis and outboards often suffering due to the fuel type.


Your user manual will be the best source of information for the specific model of Yamaha waverunner you use and which fuel is most appropriate. If you’re struggling to find this information here. Then fuel flaps usually have stickers indicating your fuel compatibility too.
If you’re ever in doubt, use E5 fuel! It is still widely available in petrol stations, and while it may be more expensive, it eliminates any concerns about ethanol compatibility.
If you’re storing your Yamaha engine for an extended period of time, then it’s vital to drain the pump system. You should use a fuel stabiliser designed for ethanol fuels and consider using an additive to combat the effects of ethanol. As well as your pump, your entire fuel system should be checked for compatibility, as older fuel tanks or filters might not work well with E10 fuel. The Ethanol could end up clogging the filters or corroding materials.
As long as your model is from 2008 onwards, most Yamaha engines and fuel systems can tolerate fuel containing 10% Ethanol (E10). As a more affordable, accessible option, this fuel type is understandable, but do be aware of the downsides of using E10.
It’s good to know that most Yamaha outboard engines and fuel systems made from 2008 onwards can handle E10 fuel. This can be a more affordable and readily available option, however, it’s important to be aware of potential downsides as mentioned in this page.

We are Midlands-based, with a workshop and shop that facilitates all repairs and servicing needs as well as performance upgrades. We provide efficient services at a competitive price, as well as advice on your chosen watercraft.
If you’re looking for a new waverunner, we stock and supply the latest Yamaha Waverunners. For other makes and models, we are constantly rotating our stock to see what we have on the used side. We are happy to talk to you about our range and help narrow down the best one for you.
Midlands Yamaha Waverunner & Outboard Main Dealer
Birmingham | Hereford | Gloucester | Cornwall | Cardiff | Cumbria | Worcester |
Contact Us
Unit B5, Hilton Main Ind. Est.
Bognop Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV11 2BE
t: 01902730717
Areas We Cover: Birmingham | Hereford | Gloucester | Cornwall | Cardiff | Cumbria