10% Ethanol, Heads Up!

[Bird]

I've got a Ryobi tiller with one of those fuel lines that got hard and just broke. However, I've only used high test fuel in it because it runs the same 50:1 oil mix as my Stihl trimmer and Stihl recommended high test fuel. I don't know for sure, but I thought the high test was ethanol free. The mid range fuel around here is 10% ethanol, but the higher octane doesn't specifically say.

Chuck

I've not thought about that. I use the mid range in my 2 cycle machines, and in my 4 cycle lawnmower, but I just assumed all 3 ranges had ethanol in them.

 

[beppington]

I don't know for sure, but I thought the high test was ethanol free. The mid range fuel around here is 10% ethanol, but the higher octane doesn't specifically say.

Here in FL I'm pretty sure all grades are 10% ethanol.

Except for cases of course where non-ethanol is sold: Marinas & airports.

Which, BTW, if ethanol poses no problems whatsoever, why does the gubment allow non-ethanol to be sold for airplane use? i.e. Why don't they also force airplanes to burn ethanol. I mean, hey, there's nothing wrong with it, right??

 

[IslandTractor]

Here in FL I'm pretty sure all grades are 10% ethanol.

Except for cases of course where non-ethanol is sold: Marinas & airports.

Marinas in my area sell 10% ethanol fuel. It does cause some problems especially with older engines and fuel tanks due to it's solvent capabilities. It dissolves crud or loosens it and that can clog carbs especially when the fuel dries out. Biggest problem is varnishing up small carb jets but using a healthy dose of marine stabilizer and proper winterization seems to help.

 

[smstonypoint]

ADM (and other ethanol producers) are pushing for higher ethanol mandates.

ADM asks EPA for 12 percent ethanol mandate - BusinessWeek

Steve

 

[beppington]

Marinas in my area sell 10% ethanol fuel.

Must be the difference between FL & RI law.

It does cause some problems especially with older engines and fuel tanks due to it's solvent capabilities. It dissolves crud or loosens it and that can clog carbs especially when the fuel dries out. Biggest problem is varnishing up small carb jets but using a healthy dose of marine stabilizer and proper winterization seems to help.

So, again ... The gubment & everybody else knows ethanol causes problems, which is OK in cars/ trucks but not in airplanes. The gubment feels it's OK for you to get stuck in your car/ truck in the middle of nowhere and/ or have to pay for ethanol-related repairs, (& in your boat, too, in Rhode Island) but even the gubment doesn't feel it's OK to have engine problems in an airplane.

 

[smstonypoint]

If you are concerned about finding ethanol-free gasoline, the link below provides a listing of stations providing "pure gas."

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

I was surprised to learn that some states do not require ethanol labeling on the pump.

Ethanol Labeling Laws - State by State Guide.

Steve

 

[IslandTractor]

Not so convinced of a government conspiracy here. There is no doubt that there is less energy in a gallon of gasahol. Unlike car and boat motors, airplane engines are operating closer to max output as weight considerations don't permit the luxury of substantial reserve power. It stands to reason that you would therefore use the highest energy fuel you could safely manage to get the best power to weight ratio.

 

[dave1949]

Marinas in my area sell 10% ethanol fuel.

Must be the difference between FL & RI law.



So, again ... The gubment & everybody else knows ethanol causes problems, which is OK in cars/ trucks but not in airplanes. The gubment feels it's OK for you to get stuck in your car/ truck in the middle of nowhere and/ or have to pay for ethanol-related repairs, (& in your boat, too, in Rhode Island) but even the gubment doesn't feel it's OK to have engine problems in an airplane.

Careful what you wish for, an ethanol fueled plane could fall out of the sky onto your house or - god forbid - your tractor, then you have to fix that too. :laughing:
Dave.

 

[smstonypoint]

Not so convinced of a government conspiracy here.

Government conspiracy no, but politics are at play. Ethanol producers (e.g., ADM, et al.), farm organizations (e.g., Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers), and other interest groups have lobbied various Administrations (Republican and Democrat) and Congress for ethanol mandates.


Steve

 

[IslandTractor]

Government conspiracy no, but politics are at play. Ethanol producers (e.g., ADM, et al.), farm organizations (e.g., Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers), and other interest groups have lobbied various Administrations (Republican and Democrat) and Congress for ethanol mandates.


Steve

Agree 100%. Agribusiness is the key player.