Fuel : Ethanol issues

[Unkle]

Does anyone use a fuel / water separator yet ?

You guys in the States were saying that ethanol is now part of the issue

with starting troubles / running issues due to the h2o it attracts ....

I have used one on a Dodge Cummins engine and these things really work.

Does anyone use a mini version for a street car yet ?

[Arne]

We've been on E10 here in Oregon for a couple of years now. I've not had any noticeable problems so far, so have not considered any corrective measures yet.

[lmcguffin]

Haven't had any trouble in the cars, but it wreaked havoc with my lawn mower. Mower ran fine for several years, then in one summer I replaced the diaphragm gasket in the carb several times. Asked the guy at the parts store what the deal was, and he said it was ethanol (this was a couple of years ago). He said it had been wiping everyone out (yard maintenance is huge in Houston...) and to use premium gas. I switched to premium for the mower and other tools and haven't had any problems since.

[steve91tt]

My 1991 300ZX had issues with methanol. I was loosing injectors regularly. Even new ones were failing after a year or so. It turns out that certain Nismo injectors had issues with methanol resistance. I switched to a different brand and it ran great for years. Just my $0.02.

[TomoHawk]

Would you put gasoline with Ethanol (E-85, IIRC) in an L28? I got a $100 gas card, and it would last a couple months for me if I could use it.

[doradox]

Would you put gasoline with Ethanol (E-85, IIRC) in an L28? I got a $100 gas card, and it would last a couple months for me if I could use it.[/QUOT

No. Don't use it. It's 85% ethanol. It's more like ethanol with some gas in it. Ethanol will attack the rubber parts in the fuel system and the water carried along in it will rust the steel parts. Flex fuel vehicles can use it because the fuel system components are made for ethanol and there is a sensor so the ECU can adjust the mixture (it needs to be a LOT richer to run right).

Steve

[Inf]

Prepare yourself, folks - say goodbye to E10, and hello to E15. It's sure to be only a matter of time before this is the closest thing to "real gas" you can get at a normal station...

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/10/epa-environmental-protection-agency-proposes-adding-more-ethanol-to-gasoline-blends-e15.html

Edited October 14, 2010 by Inf

[hogie]

Yeah, I just saw they approved that the other day. I wonder how much harder this will be on my dirty old fuel lines.

[psdenno]

SEMA just issued the following bulletin on this topic today. See below:

Dennis

URGENT REGULATORY ALERT (UPDATE)

EPA Denies E15 Waiver for Pre-2001 Cars, Permits Use in Newer Cars

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in MY 2000 and older light-duty motor vehicles.* The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber.* While the SAN is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles.* The agency is still gathering data for the 2001-2006 vehicles.* The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).*

Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon.* The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling.* This will take months.* Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel.* In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle.* The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment.

The SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.* SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles.** Questions/comments may be directed to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.