Ethanol
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
The bottom line, ethanol settles out in the tank, the car runs lean and hot when the fuel pickup at the bottom of the tank pulls the ethanol rich mixture first.
Last edited by lurch59; May 13, 2015 at 12:28 PM. Reason: clarity
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
We have several gas stations selling 93 octan ethanol free. I buy that when I know the car will not be driven like the 4 month winter storage.
I thinking is drive it or by ethanol free.
I thinking is drive it or by ethanol free.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
Not sure for cars that sit over the winter, but for all my lawn equipment I just add a splash of Seafoam to the tank I have had no problems since....? How about maybe 1/4 can to each full tank.....? Would that take care of the issue....?
Brian
Brian
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
We can get ethanol free regular in our area. I like Amsoils fuel additives because they publish their research data from independent labs. The issue is how to keep the fuel homogenous; I'm not saying Seafoam doesn't work, but I'm uncomfortable using anecdotal evidence only. I worry that ethanol cuts the oil on the cylinder wall, reducing lubrication. One of the reasons diesel engines last longer is that diesel fuel aids in cylinder wall lubrication, and I think ethanol works against you as far lubrication is concerned.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
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Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
The only reason would be that the ethanol blend is cheaper. I usually just spend the extra money on ethanol free, but don't worry too much about it if I'm going to burn it in a week or two especially in the summer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm waiting for you-know-who to chirp in about how there is nothing wrong with ethanol in YOUR classic car fuel system. Hopefully so much oil is now being fracked out of the ground that all these government-subsidized corn juice plants will be forced to shut down. I seriously doubt that ethanol is cheaper to produce than gasoline. Any bets on a government bailout for the millionaire corn farmer/energy sultans?
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
I'm waiting for you-know-who to chirp in about how there is nothing wrong with ethanol in YOUR classic car fuel system. Hopefully so much oil is now being fracked out of the ground that all these government-subsidized corn juice plants will be forced to shut down. I seriously doubt that ethanol is cheaper to produce than gasoline. Any bets on a government bailout for the millionaire corn farmer/energy sultans?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
The fuel shouldn't hurt your engine. Treating your fuel when the car sits for some time is a very good idea.
Wouldn't it be nice to have leaded gasoline back in the tank. Heard the classics loved to drink it up.
Wouldn't it be nice to have leaded gasoline back in the tank. Heard the classics loved to drink it up.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 3
From: Marietta GA
I'm waiting for you-know-who to chirp in about how there is nothing wrong with ethanol in YOUR classic car fuel system. Hopefully so much oil is now being fracked out of the ground that all these government-subsidized corn juice plants will be forced to shut down. I seriously doubt that ethanol is cheaper to produce than gasoline. Any bets on a government bailout for the millionaire corn farmer/energy sultans?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My car has been sitting in storage off and on for the last 3 years. I only put non-ethanol REC 90 (south Florida marine gas) mixed with VP Racing Fuel's C12 (108 octane leaded) in my tank. Mixed at 3:1, I figure the octane rating is around 94-95. That works just fine with my supposed 10.25:1 CR and 38 degrees total timing. After sitting for six months, the car started on the first crank. Love the smell of the exhaust.
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 31
From: Rapid City South Dakota
I can highly recommend "Black Gold Stranglehold" by Jerome Corsi. It's very enlightening, and several studies have been able to confirm that it is possible to make short chain hydrocarbons from conditions found at the earth's mantle, from inorganic elements.
Last edited by lurch59; May 13, 2015 at 04:33 PM. Reason: incomplete