EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

[Mark E.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

In my case, it has nothing to do with CR, but with several fuelie tankers (ethanol is death to Rochester FI systems), and carb tankers, ethanol absolutely destroys the fiberglass tank over time. I have had to repair a couple and deal with past owners using it, not gonna do that again.

It's curious the fiberglass tank can handle gasoline but not ethanol. Maybe a property of the resin?

So we're ok with E15 if we don't have a fuelie or tanker...

[Jim L.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

I have had gaskets and o-rings deteriorate, and stick the needle in the high pressure pump assembly.

Clearly those were made of material not compatible with E10.

Using Viton rubber parts, and even rubber parts made of Buna-N, I've had no problems with E10 at all in the 30+ years we've been forced to use it here in the People's Republik.

I've got one early FI unit I've modified to be virtually immune to percolation, even with E10.

Use of E10 in lieu of Real Gasoline does mandate re-calibrating the FI unit, but that is a one time event.

[Mark E.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

Use of E10 in lieu of Real Gasoline does mandate re-calibrating the FI unit, but that is a one time event.

So now we're down to: Ethanol gasoline is ok as long as we don't have a tanker and replaced alcohol sensitive components in the fuel system.

[Michael J.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

I used E10 in my '64 L76 without any issues. But the problem will not be E10, it will be E15, E20, E25 and on up if they continue to pander to the farmers and add more and more to the fuel supply. That I am worried about.

[Jim L.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

So now we're down to: Ethanol gasoline is ok as long as we don't have a tanker and replaced alcohol sensitive components in the fuel system.

While I'm not in love with the stuff, I can't point to any problems it has ever caused. So, yeah, I'd say your synopsis is accurate.

[Wes S.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

As pointed out ethanol absorbs water; if you don't drive your car regularly water build up and the fuels continued absorption of water from the atmosphere will result in fuel tank rust of steel tanks. Maybe a reason why Zip corvette has a stainless steel tank in there catalog.

[Jim D.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

As pointed out ethanol absorbs water; if you don't drive your car regularly water build up and the fuels continued absorption of water from the atmosphere will result in fuel tank rust of steel tanks. Maybe a reason why Zip corvette has a stainless steel tank in there catalog.

Actually, the ability of E-10 to absorb the moisture prevents the corrosion. It's the separated water that causes the corrosion. Why do you think all the "Fuel Dryer" additives are nothing more the ethanol?
We've had E-10 in my area for well over 30 years. That's all I've run in everything I've owned. All my yard equipment, my dual quad 60, several big block cars including my 70 LS-6 Chevelle and my L-78 65 Corvette as well as a super charged big block in my boat. NEVER had a single fuel related issue with any of them.

[James G.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

There are not as many BTU's in a gallon of ethanol vs a gallon of gasoline, a 10% blend lowers the total BTU's by a little more than 4%, vehicles such as the 72 LT1 were leaned out considerably by GM vs the 70-71 LT1 so if anyone is having problems running ethanol fuels and your car is lean for emissions you may find it runs better if you richen the jets 5-7%.
FWIW the Reid Vapor Pressure is no where close to that of Aviation or Sunoco.

An added benefit of putting more volume of fuel (increase in jet size) through the engine is it wicks heat out of the intake tract, thus effectively lowering charge temp.

[Michael J.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

It's curious the fiberglass tank can handle gasoline but not ethanol. Maybe a property of the resin?

So we're ok with E15 if we don't have a fuelie or tanker...

Mark, here is a good article on it.......https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs...196-story.html

[Bill M.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

the only gas powered piece of equipment i have ever had a problem with is my Red Fox weed wacker. had to replace 2 carburators which i find odd since it is 2 cycle

[John D.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

Boat docks have non ethanol fuel although most is low octane.
Someone mentioned why you can't use ethanol in a fiberglass tank. Reason is absolutely will destroy the tank and the carburetion whatever it is.
Switch to racing fuel or aviation fuel friends.
Story: Last week my son said he is going to drain the ethanol out of all his lawn equipment. I said really. Then what???
I told him to take some of my 100LL. Mix a gallon or two or it with two cycle oil. Then put he mixture in his weed wacker. Leave blower, Power mower etc. Start the motors/engines and let them run for a few minutes. All set for a long winter.
Nothing worse for me to re-restore a fuel injection unit that the owner let good old ethanol sit it in. First of all it kills his wallet and the fumes in my shop kill me.
Another story: When my son was at Parris Island a few years ago and I went to his gradation on the long trip home to SW Corner of PA I stopped at a gas station that had '93 octane non ethanol. I filled up my GMC tanker (Holds 37-1/2 gallons ) with it.
I had to keep my eyes on the speedometer. Kept letting up on the gas pedal. The old GMC was flying. Well when that tank was used up and I filled it with ethanol the GMC didn't like it at all. Dead horse. True story.

[Mark F.]

Re: EPA decision on Non-Ethanol

Hi John,

funny how some can remember (at least in the northern regions here) adding "DRY GAS" to our gas tanks to prevent fuel-line freeze ups.

as you know - that was mostly ethanol (and/or other "alcohol compounds") which solubilize water (condensation) in your tank.

Now, I guess we have more ethanol in there than a 1-pint can could add and we won't have to worry about that again...that is if you leave your corvette out in sub-zero temps