Is Ethanol Bad ?

Mrwurm · May 29, 2003

MY neighbor told me he does not buy gas in our town because both of the local stations put ethanol in their gas. I thought he was crazy until I checked it out for myself. The pumps at both stations have a sticker that say '10% Ethanol'. Is this bad? I have used this gas for my cars and equipment for about six years now. Should I drive ten miles to another gas station just to avoid the ethanol? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MikePA · May 29, 2003

<font color="blue"> Should I drive ten miles to another gas station just to avoid the ethanol? </font>
I wouldn't.

pruntyc · May 29, 2003

The way it was told to me, years ago was like this. Ethahol is really just grain alcohol, and will work just fine if you have been using it along. But if you haven't been, then it may clean some of the varnish and gum out of you tank and cause a problem. And if what I was told is right, then you have nothing to worry about. I have used it and would if it was here. Even if I hadn't been using it, as it would probably keep my system cleaner. Just my two cents worth. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · May 29, 2003

It can give you grief in some older vehicles ( 70's). The accelerator pump rubber would swell up. All fairly new vehicles have been designed to handle it ok. It is also a farm product and does not come from the middle east /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TresCrows · Jul 5, 2003

In general, yes. Ethonal has lower BTU than gasoline and ethonal will attract water and can destroy seals/gaskets in older vehicles. I would not use the stuff if I could avoid it. It will also cause problems with fiberglass fuel tanks such as found in some aircraft, motorcycles and boats. In a modern auto it should work fine. Many operator manuals say mixtures up to 10% can be used. I suspect mixtures higher than 10% would cause damage or operation problems, in any case, they are not recommended. J

Chief · Jul 5, 2003

Ethanol and diesel do not mix. Isopropyl alcohol is required to be soluable in both water and diesel fuel. Best to leave the alochol of any type out if at all possible.