Ethanol solution
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Some of us live in states that don't give us the option of buying non-ethanol gas. I think the OP was looking for our various means of dealing with ethanol in gas, vs. the recommendation to not buy gas with alcohol in it.
I use Stabil Marine in every single internal combustion engine I own. Zero issues.
I use Stabil Marine in every single internal combustion engine I own. Zero issues.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 131
Likes: 4
From: Claxton GA
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 3
From: Chandler Arizona
The stock FUEL LINES won't support ethanol. It's not just a problem with the stock injectors. The ethanol will gradually dissolve the soft lines (and stock pump). The stock valve seats will also be effected from the ethanol in the long term.
E10, E15 is a mixture that rides on the "limits" of these older cars. Modern/new cars are already designed to support E15.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,837
Likes: 338
From: Database Error Indiana
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
10% ethanol is in pretty much all of the gasoline sold in the Pacific Northwest. Non-ethanol gas is available but it's a PITA to find. It will usually be at those stations where you need to open a pre-paid account or have a commercial account. We've had the 10% stuff for at least a good 5 years and I have not seen any sort of issues in any of my vehicles.
Small engines can be another story. I have a Briggs & Stratton powered lawn mower that doesn't run very well on the 10% stuff so I add just a bit of octane booster. I have a Toro weed-eater that runs just fine (needs a 50:1 oil mix). My 8000 watt Briggs& Stratton generator runs fine on 10% ethanol 87 octane gas.
Small engines can be another story. I have a Briggs & Stratton powered lawn mower that doesn't run very well on the 10% stuff so I add just a bit of octane booster. I have a Toro weed-eater that runs just fine (needs a 50:1 oil mix). My 8000 watt Briggs& Stratton generator runs fine on 10% ethanol 87 octane gas.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 648
Likes: 6
From: weems va
Corn gas is here to stay. If your car is a DD you can get away with it. I found the best additive to combat the ethenol in ANY gas engine that is going to sit a while is Star-Tron. The problem has always been worse in our marine engines. They sell 2 different concentrations, read the lable 1 or 2 ounces to x amont of gallons of gas. Wally world sells it in the marine section. Its just a matter of time before the tree huggers get there way and they add more corn to our gas. Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
10% ethanol is in pretty much all of the gasoline sold in the Pacific Northwest. Non-ethanol gas is available but it's a PITA to find. It will usually be at those stations where you need to open a pre-paid account or have a commercial account. We've had the 10% stuff for at least a good 5 years and I have not seen any sort of issues in any of my vehicles.
Small engines can be another story. I have a Briggs & Stratton powered lawn mower that doesn't run very well on the 10% stuff so I add just a bit of octane booster. I have a Toro weed-eater that runs just fine (needs a 50:1 oil mix). My 8000 watt Briggs& Stratton generator runs fine on 10% ethanol 87 octane gas.
Small engines can be another story. I have a Briggs & Stratton powered lawn mower that doesn't run very well on the 10% stuff so I add just a bit of octane booster. I have a Toro weed-eater that runs just fine (needs a 50:1 oil mix). My 8000 watt Briggs& Stratton generator runs fine on 10% ethanol 87 octane gas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
I have mine tuned for e85 only changes are 60lb injectors and a new 255 pump. Here is a dyno sheet from the tuner.
I recently switched back to the 93 pump gas tune, but the car seems to run better on e85.
FWIW a lot of misinformation out there. One being the motor runs hotter on e85. This is not true. They actually run cooler. Go to any dragstrip and talk to the people there. That is one of the big advantages in running alcohol. The motor stays much cooler.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 9
From: Minneapolis MN
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 993
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
In Iowa we have had the blended fuels for many years and like mentioned above we have had zero issues with any fuel system components. As long as you don't let fuel sit in the small engines over the winter or summer they won't know the difference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Are you basing this on any actual experience or just what you have read? I don't mean this in a bad way, just asking.
I see people posting about using additives to offset the use of ethanol in fuel with zero problems. Well would they have had problems without the additives? My experience has been zero problems with 10% for years and even 85% for 6 months. Maybe in time I will have a fuel line problem, but then again is it because of the ethanol or the lines being 20+ years old? Who knows?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
My biggest beef is that ethanol is less "green" than petroleum, burns our injectors and pumps, and benefits only the farmer and farm lobby. The rest of us and the environment pay the price for a failed science experiment that is allowed to continue.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 4
From: Guilford NY
I been using Star-Tron in some of my vehicles. I usually add a little each time i fill up. Not sure it really does anything, but cheap insurance. I havent noticed any issues with my autos, but i have had problems with some of my small engines. those get treated fuel, namely the Stabil Marine grade formula. Not real cheap, but it goes a long way.
Mike
Mike