Ethanol in Autos

[MHarryE]

Back when I first started driving the fuels caused frequent maintenance. Those were the leaded fuel dats. Lead deposits on spark plugs - by 8,000 miles after change my fuel economy was down 25% or more so it was time for points, plugs and condenser - lead fouling on the plugs was the primary culprit. Then there was the gummed up carburetor with the very corrosive cleaner needed to clean, especially nice for the person with dual 4 barrel carbs. Gas line icing, half year problem here in Minnesota back in those days. We bought Heet (isopropyl alcohol) by the case and used a can with every fill up. Then there were things like vapor lock. I was on the back nine when somebody came out on a cart asking for me. When he caught me he said my wife was stalled out on the highway with our 1 year old and wanted me right away. I played out knowing her '70 Nova had vapor locked again due to the Missouri heat (where we lived at the time) and just needed to cool down. Don't know if she was more upset that I didn't rush out to her rescue or that I got in the car, which had cooled by that time, and started it right up. Yes, the good old days - they sucked!!!

 

[cowpie1]

I haven't noticed any appreciable problem, even with my small engines, using E10 over the last several decades. My Lawn equipment, my portable generators, etc have all gotten E10 frequently and never had any problem. I suppose how fuel is stored, any stabilizers, etc can make a difference. My zero turn mowers all get stored, tanks full with a stabilizer, with E10 for the winter and I have never had any issues. Been like that since the early 80's.

When one is storing fuel in bulk, via anything from 5 gallon cans on up, it is wise on any fuel to use something like Mr. Funnel when they pour or pump it. A Mr. Funnel will remove any water, contaminates, etc from fuel. A great product.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Back when I first started driving the fuels caused frequent maintenance. Those were the leaded fuel dats. Lead deposits on spark plugs - by 8,000 miles after change my fuel economy was down 25% or more so it was time for points, plugs and condenser - lead fouling on the plugs was the primary culprit. Then there was the gummed up carburetor with the very corrosive cleaner needed to clean, especially nice for the person with dual 4 barrel carbs. Gas line icing, half year problem here in Minnesota back in those days. We bought Heet (isopropyl alcohol) by the case and used a can with every fill up. Then there were things like vapor lock. I was on the back nine when somebody came out on a cart asking for me. When he caught me he said my wife was stalled out on the highway with our 1 year old and wanted me right away. I played out knowing her '70 Nova had vapor locked again due to the Missouri heat (where we lived at the time) and just needed to cool down. Don't know if she was more upset that I didn't rush out to her rescue or that I got in the car, which had cooled by that time, and started it right up. Yes, the good old days - they sucked!!!

Best thing about injection systems is the closed loop fuel system that doesn't vapor lock.

Best thing about plastic gas tanks is that they don't build up condensation requiring a shedload of Heet to melt the ice.

Lately, I've only needed to use Heet on windshield washer problems if they've frozen up, but i confess i still keep a bottle in the driver's side door pocket.

 

[Mace Canute]

Autos are subject to the rules and regulations of the Clean Air Act. This includes emissions and fuel evaporization system durability. As far as ethanol and so called Flex-Fuel usage, its mainly the use of alcohol tolerant seals and gaskets. The EPA basically mandated conformance and operational compatibility.

Not so for small engines until recently.

:thumbsup:

That above and a big factor is autos are usually used on a daily basis. Let one sit nearly a year and problems arise.

Chris

:thumbsup:

 

[puckgrinder85]

Best thing about injection systems is the closed loop fuel system that doesn't vapor lock.

Best thing about plastic gas tanks is that they don't build up condensation requiring a shedload of Heet to melt the ice.

Lately, I've only needed to use Heet on windshield washer problems if they've frozen up, but i confess i still keep a bottle in the driver's side door pocket.

There have been past issues with injected cars having these issues, fixed promptly by a radiant cover or moving the lines all together. Plastic tanks can build condensation just like metal tank as well. We pull cars in from the cold all day and in 3 minutes the outside of the tanks weep and drip of condensation. There is more to be said about the purge/ vent system on todays car that may address that issue more than just the makeup of the tank itself.

 

[SandburRanch]

There is no correlation between the outside of a gas tank and the interior of a gas tank whether it be steel, plastic or rubber. Dew point is a product of air temperature and moisture content of that air.

Dew Point Calculator

 

[RalphVa]

Biggest different is fuel injection in cars/trucks now vs. carburetors in all small engines. Also, 2 cycle small engines have more problems because the oil makes water less soluble.

Ralph

 

[RetiredCarGuy]

Moisture in any gasoline or diesel fuel system can be problematic. It is not going away.
Ethanol further complicates it by component damage.