Frankie the Fink

Even the crapola ethanol-laced guys of today is better than some of the trash they were selling during the '70s fuel crisis. I filled up (when permitted by the odd/even system) to the limit allowed and about 1/2 dozen times got water in the gas at various stations in Tidewater. What a mess ...

Bluestripe67

Now and then I use a scope to check for dropped valves in my oil pan...nothing yet. Dennis

Mikado463

great show , I enjoy it as well, for the record Mr China spells his name 'Edd'

SWCDuke

E10, which is ten percent ethanol by volume reduces the energy content about 3 percent compared to straight gasoline, so you should expect about 3 percent higher fuel consumption, but this can be tough to measure unless you keep accurate records.

With a rich mixture it will actually increase power - although probably not enough to measure on a dyno - since ethanol is an "oxygenate" that adds about 2 percent by weight O2 to the fuel. Such oxygenated fuels were illegal back in the day in most "gas" racing classes, because it was known to add power.

All Congress has to do is pass a bill to eliminate the 10 percent ethanol requirement... make it "optional" and let the states and market decide. This will also allow an orderly wind down of ethanol investment, Demand will drop nationwide, but the blue states will probably retain the requirement in order to "save the planet".

Duke

seb67

Unfortunately, the blue states will probably need to get it from the red states.

Steve

GTOguy

Yes, alcohol increases octane, but decreases the energy in the fuel. As in regular fuels, lower octane burns faster and produces more energy. Slower burning premium fuel is needed in high compression engines to avoid detonation. My issue with alcohol is that it's hard on carburetors and mild steel fuel lines, tanks, and rubber in the fuel system. Also, it boils off in hot weather easily, and where I live, that is sometimes and issue with my old cars. I agree with you guys: it should be made an option, and if so, it would soon fade away. Not sure about the blue state/red state thing: I live in a blue state, but in the red section of it (central valley) that produces more agriculture than just about anywhere else. And, thankfully, I have red state values!!