Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

[Greg G.]

Has anyone had trouble using fuels with the added Ethanol (5 - 10% at the pump these days) with their GF-90 fuel filters? I replaced my fuel filter two weeks ago with a correct replacement from Paragon and filled up the tank with fresh fuel last weekend before taking the Vette out for 40-minutes run up 101 here in NorCal - she ran perfectly. Today, I took her out and at idle and low speeds she's smooth but if I step on the gas it seems like the engine isn't getting fuel, the car stutters and the engine seems to be on the verge of stalling. As soon as I take my foot off the gas it returns to normal.

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago with a Land Rover I used to own and a mechanic friend suggested it could be the inline fuel filter so we cut it free from the lines and he sliced it open to find that Ethanol had dissolved the filter element to the point that it was free-floating inside the housing. When I stepped on the gas the element would slide in the housing toward the back of the car and block the fuel supply line causing the car to hesitate something fierce.

I'm puzzled -- anyone who has any suggestions of things to check, I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance,

Greg

[John D.]

Re: Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

Wow!!!I am waiting to hear some replies to your post Greg. I have been wondering if the worthless corn fuel is damaging the fuel filters. I can't imagine what we will do is this is an issue. JD

[Dan H.]

Re: Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

Wow!!!I am waiting to hear some replies to your post Greg. I have been wondering if the worthless corn fuel is damaging the fuel filters. I can't imagine what we will do is this is an issue. JD

Greg, I have put over 6K miles on the 'no notch' repro fuel filter, no signs of a stoppage, have had it off, blown through it etc,. maybe something came loose in yours or?
Dan

[Don H.]

Re: Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

I have put many miles on my '65 (300 HP with GF-90) and no adverse results using enthanol. Don H.

[Greg G.]

Re: Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

Thanks Dan, I'll certainly take a look to see if perhaps I got a lemon filter. I can't think of what else it could be but I think tomorrow being Father's Day, I'll spend some time working on it and maybe do some compression and spark testing after the filter check.

Right now I'm watching all of the Bloomington Gold Vettes cross the auction block at the Mecum Auction on Discovery's HD Theater. Wow, there have been some gorgeous cars out there.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

[Stuart F.]

Re: Ethanol Compatibility with GF-90 Filter

I've had the same GF-90 on mine for at least 6 years w/o any problem, and I'm still pulling good fuel pump pressure downstream of it (as check last year).

The Mecom Auction on last night was I believe live from Indianapolis. I had to watch part of it again today to be certain as they often run re-runs. Later in the show they did speak of the B.G. show coming up next week (26th thru 30th), so I'm sure it was live last night. There were a couple of nice 63's and a 61 that didn't make reserve, so I would expect they may be up at St. Charles next week. Who knows, maybe some of the ones that did sell will be there as well, specially the couple C-1's that Pro-Team bought.

Stu Fox