Ethanol laced fuel and Climate

[mshmodela]

In trying my first tank of 100% gasoline, I wonder what folks who have lived in dryer climate have experienced less issues with ethanol? I mean I think in theory given less moisture there would be less water absorption in the tank, so maybe not a big payoff in storing over winter with 100% gasoline in the tank as much in my neck of the woods where we can get 80-100in of snow...

However, those in dryer climates might have other issues like higher climate temperatures which might aid to the boiling of the fuel in the carburetor...

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I've NEVER had a bad issue with ethanol fuel, except for the drop in mileage.
Bill W.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

I've NEVER had a bad issue with ethanol fuel, except for the drop in mileage.
Bill W.

Yeah that makes sense, less carbon (less bag for the $$$)...

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

I've NEVER had a bad issue with ethanol fuel, except for the drop in mileage.
Bill W.

youll find out soon enough if you dont start turning over that tank of gas in your dakota... does your AAA policy give you enough distance to philly?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Mitch, It's FRESH, Perla uses it to run errands!
Dad

[rons49]

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The issue in hot summer temps is more that modern fuel is formulated for winter & summer. Most of us do not drive enough to run a few tanks of winter gas out of the tanks and then comes a 90 degree F(35c) day in late March or April. The fuel vaporizes too fast and what appears as vapor lock occurs. It is actually starvation, and is due to winter gas that is still in the tank, Not ethanol. But water absorption is an ethanol issue in especially humid areas. when gasoline rises to the top of the mix, water diluted fuel is at the bottom. Performance issues occur somewhere in the middle. Advice, don't let the level fall below 1/4, and avoid filling the tank with winter gas shortly before warm weather sets in. Anticipate the amount of fuel needed for the outing and prepare to fill with summer mix in the fall... and use stabilizer.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Rust out and running problems occur more in states where the humidity is high and the nights cool. Humid air that is in the gas tank during the day drops it's moisture when the cool night air drops the temp outside and then drops the temp in the fuel in the tank. The solution is to keep the gas at a constant temp, which is tough to do. What you can do is keep the tank full so there is less air in the tank. Less air = less moisture.

This process is also why fenders and doors always rust out on the bottom. At night the moisture in the air condenses on the inner side of the body panels and runs down to the bottom of the panel where it starts to rust. Again, keep the panel temp constant by keeping the car in the garage at night. Less moisture = less rust.

Especially if you add salt to the mixture!

[johnsor]

Living in a northern Wisconsin climate, I won't use ethanol blended fuel. Fortunately many of our fuel pumps offer "ethanol free" premium gas. A bit more expensive and better performance and no carb moisture issues from sitting, plus better fuel mileage.

[jw hash]

if I let my model A sit for two months with ethanol in it, it run like S--t until I add fresh gas to it. also my edger and lawn mower carburetor bowls both rusted through. it is junk gas.

[Ted Duke]

Ethanol in gasoline is a ruse put over on us by the corn raisers. Bad for cars, less fuel mileage. Great for corn farmers!

[ian Simpson]

Both our 1928 Tudor and our 1975 MGB objected to ethanol laced fuel. The Model A would misfire and refuse to pull once it was at operating temperature, the MG would not idle well nor pull as expected. Our 1957 Chevrolet with a 283 Cubic inch V-8 did not notice.

We now run Shell Premium or similar ethanol free gas in all three collector vehicles. The Model A runs like a dream and the MG idles 600 rpm faster. Our 1957 Chevrolet with a 283 Cubic inch V-8 did not notice.

I do not know the difference between ethanol and methanol, but back in the 1960's I used to drag race an antique 1932 250cc Rudge motorcycle. It ran on methanol. After a drag meet, I would empty the remainder of the methanol into my 500cc Velocette daily rider road bike and get a noticeable increase in performance.

[ODFever]

Pure gas is more stable than ethanol crap gas. From my experiences you have two options when preparing your car for winter storage. Run a tank of ethanol-free fuel through it, and run the tank dry. The other option is to fill it with ethanol-free, add STA-BIL to the tank, and run the car long enough to circulate the STA-BIL through the fuel bowl prior to storing the car.

Ethanol is a solvent. It dissolves varnish built up in fuel tanks and lines, which causes fuel filters to clog. It eats away seals and gaskets that weren't designed for ethanol. I only run pure gas in my A.

[Mikeinnj]

Ethanol free real gas is unavaliable in New Jersey. Only thing allowed is ethanol.

[burner31]

fI wouldn't know...I never run corn gas.
For the same reason I don't drink "near beer"

[Skeezixx]

Nothing new about it.

I was watching a documentary about Captains of Industry recently and in it it touched upon Ford designing his cars to run on methanol. When Rockefeller got wind of this it scared him enough to use his influence and money to do something about it. The result, through many government convolutions wound up being prohibition. By the end of prohibition gasoline had comfortably ensconced itself as the preferred fuel over alcohol.