Ethanol Free Gas

[Mleeja]

Can one safely use ethanol free gas in a car?

[justjim]

OP, it's usually the other way around but the answer would be it depends on the octane of the gas and the octane required for your car. Your car manual will give you that answer.

[dewilson58]

Yes.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Firstly, I am not a corn farmer nor do I benefit in any way from government subsidies to the corn industry, so I will tell the truth and say that you can absolutely use ethanol free fuel in a gas powered anything. Your carbon footprint will be imperceptibly larger.

[John_W]

I had a problem in my Yamaha golf cart the first time I used ethanol free gas. About a year and half ago right after the Marathon station opened I switched in my 2011 cart. So it had been on regular gas for about 4 years. Put the ethanol free in and went to play 18 holes at Belle Glade. Got to the course, played 18 holes everything went fine, then pulled out on Moyer to leave and the cart died. I had to hold the choke out all the way while driving and the cart wouldn't go over 5 mph. If I sped up or let go of the choke, it would die. I live off St. Charles, so it took over an hour to get home. Next day I called Willie Wilcoxsin, who does my regular servicing. He said that clean gas probably knocked off all that ethanol build up on the carburetor and fuel lines. He flushed everything out and the cart has run great ever since.

[villagetinker]

Double check the octane rating of the ethanol free gas, if it is the same or higher then what your car requires, you are good to go, if it is lower, you may have 'pinging' problems until the computer changes your cars timing.

[autumnspring]

Can one safely use ethanol free gas in a car?

Marathon is pushing ethanol free gas. It is possible, but a stretch that you will get better gas mileage the reason is there is more BTUs in gasoline then in ethanol (alcohol). The gasoline you put in your car is MAXIMUM 10% ethanol-look on the pump next time you fill your car. The fuel at Marathon says clearly for small engine use. That is the LAW. If, there would be any better fuel mileage it will not be equal to the extra that they charge per gallon.

Your golf cart was designed to run on the 10% fuel.

If, you have a few gallons of the ethanol free gas and are wondering if it would hurt your car if you wanted to get rid of it-it is fine.

[John_W]

Your golf cart was designed to run on the 10% fuel.



Maybe that is the newer EFI Yamaha cart, but when I purchased my 2011 cart new they instructed me as long as I use ethanol gas to add to the fuel Stabil Outboard Motor Additive available at Walmart for about $10. So I switched to the non-ethanol gas in 2015 so I could eliminate that, and to help the cart run cleaner and smoother and last longer. For almost two years it has been running smoother.

[Topspinmo]

IMO Gas is gas. Anything you buy at the pump your car will burn which includes AVGas. corn gas get the least gas mileage in anything. It has to burn more to produce the same amount of work due to less energy when it exploded in the combustion chamber. Why don't small aircraft piston engines use corn gas? They don't want that junk in engine the keeps in the air.

[Wiotte]

///

[champion6]

Back to the OP --- do you use ethanol-free gas in your automobile and why?

[tophcfa]

You absolutely can and your car will thank you! The real issue is why does the government force us to use gas with ethanol? Let's see, people all over the world are starving, so let's burn corn to run our cars, Hmmm?

[Wiotte]

Carbureted vehicles can have ethanol gas issues, electronic fuel injected won't. Carburetor jets need to be up sized to compensate for the decrease in energy value. Typically, intermittent stumbling will occur in older carbureted vehicles. Ethanol also has a nasty habit of absorbing moisture ( H2O) further complicating drivability issues. Rubber hoses used to deliver the fuel were an issue with older vehicles but the newer rubber compounds can now handle the ethanol. I know automobile engines, I don't know golf cart engines so what I've stated applies to the latter.

[deger]

E-90 is ok but e-85 has to have special seals. I have been using e90 gas with e85 booster. I buy at walmart for $8 dollars. Enough for80 gallons. 1 ounce per 5 gal. of gas. I get more power and economy. It is supposed to dispel the water. Been using it for years in my new iand older card.

[crash]

Marathon is pushing ethanol free gas. It is possible, but a stretch that you will get better gas mileage the reason is there is more BTUs in gasoline then in ethanol (alcohol). The gasoline you put in your car is MAXIMUM 10% ethanol-look on the pump next time you fill your car. The fuel at Marathon says clearly for small engine use. That is the LAW. If, there would be any better fuel mileage it will not be equal to the extra that they charge per gallon.

Your golf cart was designed to run on the 10% fuel.

If, you have a few gallons of the ethanol free gas and are wondering if it would hurt your car if you wanted to get rid of it-it is fine.

I believe it is the other way around the cart is designed to run on ethanol free gas, the reason ethanol free gas is sold at the cart gas stations.

[Topspinmo]

Carbureted vehicles can have ethanol gas issues, electronic fuel injected won't. Carburetor jets need to be up sized to compensate for the decrease in energy value. Typically, intermittent stumbling will occur in older carbureted vehicles. Ethanol also has a nasty habit of absorbing moisture ( H2O) further complicating drivability issues. Rubber hoses used to deliver the fuel were an issue with older vehicles but the newer rubber compounds can now handle the ethanol. I know automobile engines, I don't know golf cart engines so what I've stated applies to the latter.

Hear is my experiences from comparing air cooled engines from lawn tractors vs. golf carts. Actually golf cart engine are ran at lower governed RPM that lawn tractors, which makes the golf cart engine life easier nearly dust free life.

When comparing IMO Golf cart gas engines nothing more than over priced air cooled lawn tractor engine. It will burn any gas you can buy at gas station (excluding diesel) same as car or truck. Naturally when you run fuel with low BTU it will preform differently IMO. Also IMO owners should be more concerned oil levels and changes. That by IMO far will be 3k bigger concern that worrying about what pump gas they are using.

[Carl in Tampa]

Ethanol is an adulterant that lowers the efficiency of gasoline.

It was introduced into gasoline to reduce costs, but it also reduces the energy output of the gasoline.

The computer brain of my car recognizes different grades and mixtures of gasoline and adjusts the timing and power output of the engine accordingly.

The car runs best, is most powerful, and gives the best gas mileage, on ethanol-free gasoline.

The only problem these days is that ethanol-free gasoline costs more because it is the pure, unadulterated product.

[er9027]

Iowa guy here....Villages also. Ethanol is a nice product. That's all we burn in our automobiles here...Think it is 15% blend...Works great. Helps the USA overall. I'm not a big fan
of any help from government in business but also understand it helps. Been done for a lot of industries. All that being said: Small engines like golf carts, boat motors,,,,I try NOT to use Ethanol.
Supposedly small engines need the extra lubricant that ethanol doesn't provide...I'm not sure but don't want to take a chance. I have been using it for years..like 20 years in my autos...No problems.
I think most southerns states are avoiding it...Haven't really seen it in Florida or The Villages.

[justjim]

I have used ethanol blended gas in my golf carts for the last six years. Never had a problem. Go figure.

[tuccillo]

The owner's manual for my Yamaha golf cart indicates that up to 10% ethanol is OK. I have been using 10% ethanol for over 3 years with no issues.

I believe it is the other way around the cart is designed to run on ethanol free gas, the reason ethanol free gas is sold at the cart gas stations.

[tuccillo]

The energy of a gallon of gasoline with 10% ethanol is only reduced by 3% when compared to ethanol-free gasoline.

Ethanol is an adulterant that lowers the efficiency of gasoline.

It was introduced into gasoline to reduce costs, but it also reduces the energy output of the gasoline.

The computer brain of my car recognizes different grades and mixtures of gasoline and adjusts the timing and power output of the engine accordingly.

The car runs best, is most powerful, and gives the best gas mileage, on ethanol-free gasoline.

The only problem these days is that ethanol-free gasoline costs more because it is the pure, unadulterated product.

[Wiotte]

The energy of a gallon of gasoline with 10% ethanol is only reduced by 3% when compared to ethanol-free gasoline.



On a carbureted engine the AF ratio needs to be 14:1, anything more screws up the drivability big time on a high performance engine. I have a 1963 327 350 HP. Runs like $hit on the ethanol crap. If I could run 101 leaded I would. GOD I love the smell of leaded gasoline. Unleaded smells as bad as burnt $hit on a shingle.

[crash]

The owner's manual for my Yamaha golf cart indicates that up to 10% ethanol is OK. I have been using 10% ethanol for over 3 years with no issues.

Just because it says up to 10% ethanol is ok does not mean it is good. Ethanol is not added as a performance enhancer but to lessen the cost.

I am not saying it will ruin your engine but that the engine runs better without it.

[Chatbrat]

If your car calls for regular and you're putting premium in it--you can actually be damaging your engine for the following reasons:

1) you don't have enough compression and ignition timing to completely burn the gas
2) with incomplete combustion there will be deposits of carbon in your valve train
3) this will be very evident , especially if you do not drive at highway speeds
4) with incomplete combustion you're all jeopardizing the catalytic convertor and O2 sensor

Use the gas that your car is designed to run on

[tuccillo]

"Good" and "better" are non-quantitative terms. It isn't clear to me how my golf cart engine can run any "better" with ethanol-free fuel. It starts immediately and gets 50+ miles to the gallon. I actually did try a tankful of ethanol-free fuel and there was no perceptible difference in performance. Will it get better gas mileage with ethanol-free fuel? Yes, perhaps up to 3% better. However, the cost difference is about $1/gallon more thus it is less cost effective. The manufacturer states that up to 10% ethanol is fine. I tend to listen to the people who make the products. If you have some specific quantitative data to share then I would like to see it. Qualitative observations such as "better" are nearly always impacted by the placebo effect.



Just because it says up to 10% ethanol is ok does not mean it is good. Ethanol is not added as a performance enhancer but to lessen the cost.

I am not saying it will ruin your engine but that the engine runs better without it.

[Ecuadog]

Can one safely use ethanol free gas in a car?

Yes.

Best answer.

[autumnspring]

IMO Gas is gas. Anything you buy at the pump your car will burn which includes AVGas. corn gas get the least gas mileage in anything. It has to burn more to produce the same amount of work due to less energy when it exploded in the combustion chamber. Why don't small aircraft piston engines use corn gas? They don't want that junk in engine the keeps in the air.

It is not corn gas. The corn is used to produce alcohol that is added to the gasoline. In days of old, people would add dry gas to the car tank in winter. Dry gas is/was alcohol. The reason it worked was that alcohol mixes readily with both gasoline and water.

Part of the problem is that alcohol in the fuel will also absorb water from the air if it sits around as in people who do not use a golf cart, an airplane regularly.

AVIATION FUEL IS LEADED FUEL AND IS HIGHER OCTANE THAT THE 89 SOLD AS REGULAR GAS. The lead lubricates the valves and as in older outboard engines, the gaskets may not be alcohol proof.

Unlike the way many people maintain their cars, golf carts etc, a plane has a service record. You must do repairs before they fail. You must have a record of service or it will not be flight worthy.

[Packer Fan]

Ethanol is an adulterant that lowers the efficiency of gasoline.

It was introduced into gasoline to reduce costs, but it also reduces the energy output of the gasoline.

The computer brain of my car recognizes different grades and mixtures of gasoline and adjusts the timing and power output of the engine accordingly.

The car runs best, is most powerful, and gives the best gas mileage, on ethanol-free gasoline.

The only problem these days is that ethanol-free gasoline costs more because it is the pure, unadulterated product.

As usual it took about 15 posts to get the correct answer. Carl is totally correct. I have an engineering degree and used to buy all the carburetors for a "large lawnmower engine manufacturer" I bought 10 Million carburetors a year, and was involved in Warranty. On cars he is correct. Pure gas will get you better mileage and less problems IN THE LONG RUN. With Carbureted Golf carts, I BEG YOU to use ethenol free gas. Ethanol attracts water, which sits in the carburetor bowls and jets and corrodes them. You are dealing with TINY jets in there, that are finely tuned. The corrosion gets bad enough and starts to break off and clog the jets and then you have problems. Gas will not hold water. 10% ethanol gas will. I have seen THOUSANDS of warrantied Carbs. It ain't pretty folks. The reason we have 10% ethanol is the corn lobby. They want to go to 15% but Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Toro, and all the other lawn guys are screaming because then you will have HUGE warranty issues. You can bury the cost of an $80 EFI unit in a $12,000 golf cart. You can't in a $120 lawnmower with a $5 carburetor.....

Ed

[Wiotte]

As usual it took about 15 posts to get the correct answer. Carl is totally correct. I have an engineering degree and used to buy all the carburetors for a "large lawnmower engine manufacturer" I bought 10 Million carburetors a year, and was involved in Warranty. On cars he is correct. Pure gas will get you better mileage and less problems IN THE LONG RUN. With Carbureted Golf carts, I BEG YOU to use ethenol free gas. Ethanol attracts water, which sits in the carburetor bowls and jets and corrodes them. You are dealing with TINY jets in there, that are finely tuned. The corrosion gets bad enough and starts to break off and clog the jets and then you have problems. Gas will not hold water. 10% ethanol gas will. I have seen THOUSANDS of warrantied Carbs. It ain't pretty folks. The reason we have 10% ethanol is the corn lobby. They want to go to 15% but Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Toro, and all the other lawn guys are screaming because then you will have HUGE warranty issues. You can bury the cost of an $80 EFI unit in a $12,000 golf cart. You can't in a $120 lawnmower with a $5 carburetor.....



Ed



Excellent synopsis [emoji1303]
Thread closed

[autumnspring]

On a carbureted engine the AF ratio needs to be 14:1, anything more screws up the drivability big time on a high performance engine. I have a 1963 327 350 HP. Runs like $hit on the ethanol crap. If I could run 101 leaded I would. GOD I love the smell of leaded gasoline. Unleaded smells as bad as burnt $hit on a shingle.

A 1963 327 was designed for HIGH TEST LEADED GAS. If, I recall the octane rating was min 92 or was it 98. The lead not only boosted the octane but lubricated the valves. Due to the lead, you burn through an exhaust system every 50,000 miles. You need a tune up every 10,000 miles. My last car, I changed the plugs after 110,000 miles. They were still ok but so long as I had bought new ones gaped them I put the new ones in.

Assuming you do not drive it much, fuel cost is not very important. You might visit one of the air fields and see if they will sell you aviation fuel-not sure if it is legal.

RE: 14 to 1
You likely have a single four barrel carb on that. In 1963 no one cared about pollution. You fuel air mix was and is not constant and it gets leaner in the cylinders located further away from the carburetor

[Wiotte]

A 1963 327 was designed for HIGH TEST LEADED GAS. If, I recall the octane rating was min 92 or was it 98. The lead not only boosted the octane but lubricated the valves. Due to the lead, you burn through an exhaust system every 50,000 miles. You need a tune up every 10,000 miles. My last car, I changed the plugs after 110,000 miles. They were still ok but so long as I had bought new ones gaped them I put the new ones in.



Assuming you do not drive it much, fuel cost is not very important. You might visit one of the air fields and see if they will sell you aviation fuel-not sure if it is legal.



RE: 14 to 1

You likely have a single four barrel carb on that. In 1963 no one cared about pollution. You fuel air mix was and is not constant and it gets leaner in the cylinders located further away from the carburetor



I'm in love [emoji8] !

[dewilson58]

A 1963 327 was designed for HIGH TEST LEADED GAS. If, I recall the octane rating was min 92 or was it 98. The lead not only boosted the octane but lubricated the valves. Due to the lead, you burn through an exhaust system every 50,000 miles. You need a tune up every 10,000 miles. My last car, I changed the plugs after 110,000 miles. They were still ok but so long as I had bought new ones gaped them I put the new ones in.

Assuming you do not drive it much, fuel cost is not very important. You might visit one of the air fields and see if they will sell you aviation fuel-not sure if it is legal.

RE: 14 to 1
You likely have a single four barrel carb on that. In 1963 no one cared about pollution. You fuel air mix was and is not constant and it gets leaner in the cylinders located further away from the carburetor

An Impala??

[tuccillo]

In the long run, non-ethanol fuel will bring you less problems with cars? I doubt this. I have never had an issue with fuel systems in any car I have owned in the last 35 years. One of the cars is 19 years old and has been fed nothing but ethanol-based regular fuel. There may be an advantage in using non-ethanol fuel in carburetor-based lawn equipment but extrapolating this to fuel injected cars is suspect. You will get better gas milage with non-ethanol based fuel, up to 3%, but it is not cost effective as it runs about $1/gallon more. I do use non-ethanol based fuel in my carburetor based lawn mower and pressure washer. My fuel injected cars and golf cart get 10% ethanol regular fuel.

As usual it took about 15 posts to get the correct answer. Carl is totally correct. I have an engineering degree and used to buy all the carburetors for a "large lawnmower engine manufacturer" I bought 10 Million carburetors a year, and was involved in Warranty. On cars he is correct. Pure gas will get you better mileage and less problems IN THE LONG RUN. With Carbureted Golf carts, I BEG YOU to use ethenol free gas. Ethanol attracts water, which sits in the carburetor bowls and jets and corrodes them. You are dealing with TINY jets in there, that are finely tuned. The corrosion gets bad enough and starts to break off and clog the jets and then you have problems. Gas will not hold water. 10% ethanol gas will. I have seen THOUSANDS of warrantied Carbs. It ain't pretty folks. The reason we have 10% ethanol is the corn lobby. They want to go to 15% but Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Toro, and all the other lawn guys are screaming because then you will have HUGE warranty issues. You can bury the cost of an $80 EFI unit in a $12,000 golf cart. You can't in a $120 lawnmower with a $5 carburetor.....

Ed

[tophcfa]

As usual it took about 15 posts to get the correct answer. Carl is totally correct. I have an engineering degree and used to buy all the carburetors for a "large lawnmower engine manufacturer" I bought 10 Million carburetors a year, and was involved in Warranty. On cars he is correct. Pure gas will get you better mileage and less problems IN THE LONG RUN. With Carbureted Golf carts, I BEG YOU to use ethenol free gas. Ethanol attracts water, which sits in the carburetor bowls and jets and corrodes them. You are dealing with TINY jets in there, that are finely tuned. The corrosion gets bad enough and starts to break off and clog the jets and then you have problems. Gas will not hold water. 10% ethanol gas will. I have seen THOUSANDS of warrantied Carbs. It ain't pretty folks. The reason we have 10% ethanol is the corn lobby. They want to go to 15% but Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Toro, and all the other lawn guys are screaming because then you will have HUGE warranty issues. You can bury the cost of an $80 EFI unit in a $12,000 golf cart. You can't in a $120 lawnmower with a $5 carburetor.....

Ed
Great post. That is why I never use ethanol in our golf carts. Also, every time we drive to our Villages home I fill up 3 5 gallon gas cans with ethanol free gas from the Villages golf cart pump and bring them back north to run in my lawn mower, chainsaw, weed wacker, leaf blower, etc.. We are lucky to be able to get ethanol free gas here, not available in many places.

[Packer Fan]

In the long run, non-ethanol fuel will bring you less problems with cars? I doubt this. I have never had an issue with fuel systems in any car I have owned in the last 35 years. One of the cars is 19 years old and has been fed nothing but ethanol-based regular fuel. There may be an advantage in using non-ethanol fuel in carburetor-based lawn equipment but extrapolating this to fuel injected cars is suspect. You will get better gas milage with non-ethanol based fuel, up to 3%, but it is not cost effective as it runs about $1/gallon more. I do use non-ethanol based fuel in my carburetor based lawn mower and pressure washer. My fuel injected cars and golf cart get 10% ethanol regular fuel.

In your car they have made 100s of changes to deal with the ethanol such as changing to a more expensive seal material. Cars that take e85 are even more modified. If there was no ethanol in gas the cars would be cheaper and you would be getting 10% better mileage.

You sound like a corn farmer 😂

[Challenger]

Great post. That is why I never use ethanol in our golf carts. Also, every time we drive to our Villages home I fill up 3 5 gallon gas cans with ethanol free gas from the Villages golf cart pump and bring them back north to run in my lawn mower, chainsaw, weed wacker, leaf blower, etc.. We are lucky to be able to get ethanol free gas here, not available in many places.

Good info above.

My experience:

Had two golf carts 2010Yamaha and 2011 EZGO
ran both on 87 Octane from Shell with ethanol for 5/6 years . Approx 10,000 mi on each. Not a single problem. Now have a 2016 Yamaha 4 seater(carbureted), 15 months-4250 mi. Same gas- same experience. Not a single problem

[tuccillo]

No, that cannot be true. The difference in the energy content between ethanol-free fuel and 10% ethanol fuel is 3%. Therefore, you may see 3% better mileage. Without ethanol, gas would be more expensive. I am not a corn farmer - I am a scientist.

In your car they have made 100s of changes to deal with the ethanol such as changing to a more expensive seal material. Cars that take e85 are even more modified. If there was no ethanol in gas the cars would be cheaper and you would be getting 10% better mileage.

You sound like a corn farmer ������

[Chatbrat]

In 1963 the 327 engines were 250/300 HP in the Impala- in the corvettes 327 engines were rated up to 340/360 hp--the 340 was carburated with 11.5 compression the intake valves were 2.02" and the exhausts were 1.60 "--- the 360 hp engine was fuel injected

I had one with the big Daytona tank & knockoff wheels--my vet was a 62--same power as the 63'

[Wiotte]

In 1963 the 327 engines were 250/300 HP in the Impala- in the corvettes 327 engines were rated up to 340/360 hp--the 340 was carburated with 11.5 compression the intake valves were 2.02" and the exhausts were 1.60 "--- the 360 hp engine was fuel injected

I had one with the big Daytona tank & knockoff wheels--my vet was a 62--same power as the 63'


This Carter AFB doesn't like 10%

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[Ecuadog]

My old carburetor is bigger than your old carburetor.

[dewilson58]

My old carburetor is bigger than your old carburetor.

It's a four barrel, Holley, 600 CFM.


:loco:

[Ecuadog]

It's a four barrel, Holley, 600 CFM.


Double pumper?

[dewilson58]

Double pumper?

Now you're talking dirty, and "that really sucks". :ho:


Somebody knows Old School, none of this plug and play crap of today.

[Wiotte]

It's a four barrel, Holley, 600 CFM.





:loco:



No, it's an 600 cfm AFB. Holley sucks.
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[Skip]

Here's a list of all the stations in Florida that sell non-ethanol gas:
https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=FL (https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=FL)

Skip

[TheMoyers]

First, your cart or auto will run on both the ethanol or non-ethanol, as long as you follow the octane recommendations. Higher octane is OK but not lower. Lowerwill cause pre-ignition (ping).
The non-ethanol gasoline is primarily for use in vehicles or small gas engines that are vented. If a tank is vented, and you use ethanol gasoline, the ethanol will absorb oxygen via the vented tank, and form a cloudy substance that will clog your system. If you don't believe me, use it in a chain saw, and leave it in there for a few months, and you will have to spoon it out of the tank.
All autos in the last 30 years have tanks that are not vented, so the ethanol is OK. So modern autos can burn either one. So can golf carts with non-vented tanks. Use ethanol in a tank that is vented, and you are asking for problems. If you do use ethanol in a vented system, runit dry everytime you use it, then put some engineered fuel in it and run it for an additional 5 minutes until it runs dry. Get that at Lowes or Depot. It's expensive, but will save you a lot of grief. I always use it in my generator, after using ethanol gasoline.

[OhioBuckeye]

I worked at Ford for 38 yrs. in the Dyno Lab & we always used high test in our test engines because it burned cleaner. Ethanol cuts the life from the engine, but really, how would we know because most engines today will run between 150,000 to maybe 300,000, some less some more. When we tore the engines down to inspect we wanted to see the wear not what gas does to the engine. They had an article in the paper a while back that explained this very question & the professionals said the same exact thing that I just said. But really, most people get rid of their cars after about 6 to 8 yrs. to buy a new one. So if you're not having any trouble with your present car from burning cheap gas don't worry about it.

[SERENITY52]

Can one safely use ethanol free gas in a car?
I use the ethanol free gas sold at the villiges golf cart stations my 2014 runs great. Costs more but well worth it.

[Wiotte]

First, your cart or auto will run on both the ethanol or non-ethanol, as long as you follow the octane recommendations. Higher octane is OK but not lower. Lowerwill cause pre-ignition (ping).

The non-ethanol gasoline is primarily for use in vehicles or small gas engines that are vented. If a tank is vented, and you use ethanol gasoline, the ethanol will absorb oxygen via the vented tank, and form a cloudy substance that will clog your system. If you don't believe me, use it in a chain saw, and leave it in there for a few months, and you will have to spoon it out of the tank.

All autos in the last 30 years have tanks that are not vented, so the ethanol is OK. So modern autos can burn either one. So can golf carts with non-vented tanks. Use ethanol in a tank that is vented, and you are asking for problems. If you do use ethanol in a vented system, runit dry everytime you use it, then put some engineered fuel in it and run it for an additional 5 minutes until it runs dry. Get that at Lowes or Depot. It's expensive, but will save you a lot of grief. I always use it in my generator, after using ethanol gasoline.


Thank you, I didn't know that. Up north I always ran the ethanol in my Chevys and never had a problem. As soon as I filled up a few times with the ethanol here my car stumbled at lower rpm. I checked everything and couldn't find a problem. So, I tried the pure gasoline one day about 3/4 tank worth mixed with the 1/4 ethanol and within a few miles of driving the hesitation and stumbling went away. Haven't had the problem since I switched over.
I just don't understand why the ethanol worked up north for so many years and here not. Any theories on this are appreciated.


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[Wiotte]

We should start a new forum dedicated to those of us who own, work on and/or simply love pre converter classic automobiles.


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[MrGolf]

My aunt Ethel had a lot of gas before she passed away.

[autumnspring]

Great post. That is why I never use ethanol in our golf carts. Also, every time we drive to our Villages home I fill up 3 5 gallon gas cans with ethanol free gas from the Villages golf cart pump and bring them back north to run in my lawn mower, chainsaw, weed wacker, leaf blower, etc.. We are lucky to be able to get ethanol free gas here, not available in many places.

Gasoline is explosive. At a certain level any spark in your car will ignite the vapors. The switches in your car are not explosion proof. There is a spark every time you turn something on-radio, gps, dome light.

[autumnspring]

Good info above.

My experience:

Had two golf carts 2010Yamaha and 2011 EZGO
ran both on 87 Octane from Shell with ethanol for 5/6 years . Approx 10,000 mi on each. Not a single problem. Now have a 2016 Yamaha 4 seater(carbureted), 15 months-4250 mi. Same gas- same experience. Not a single problem

Most of the information here is guesses and based on information. A lot of that information comes from sources that are trying to sell you something.

RE: Gasoline
All the brands actually come out of the same pipe. What is different is the additives-detergents. According to what I read a few years ago-I hope it is fact-claimed to be based on chemical tests. Of the fuels available around here Shell and Chevron have the best detergent packages. As I recall marathon was way down on the list.
RE: Alcohol percentage.
I had trouble with the 10% fuel in my old outboard. The rubber gaskets failed as that engine was never designed for alcohol containing fuel. A re builder kit with proper gaskets for the 10% fuel and problem was solved.
They are now talking about 15% alcohol fuel. NOTHING CAN SCREW THINGS UP THE WAY GOVERNMENT CAN.
I'm sure the corn lobby would love to have our UP FOR SALE GOVERNMENT pass legislation for 15% alcohol fuel.
My 2011 Chevy says specifically NOT TO USE IT.

[jefforyj]

The quick answer is yes. . . there are some "however's" involved. The first is mentioned earlier depending on the octane required by your car. The second is where would you find it. Another is, if it is premium gas, you would probably be wasting a lot of money unless required by the manufacturer. a word to the wise. Many cars manufactured in the last few years are considered E-85 compatible, to which there is a caveat. In my case, (new GMC Terrain), I started from the beginning to use E-85 but my fuel mileage was never close to what the manufacturer, after many discussions with people that I trusted to know what they were talking about, using E-85 may save at the pump but be costly in the long run, (MPG). Sorry I don't remember exactly what the reason was but as I said I discussed the problem with persons I considered "Experts".

[Wiotte]

Gasoline is explosive. At a certain level any spark in your car will ignite the vapors. The switches in your car are not explosion proof. There is a spark every time you turn something on-radio, gps, dome light.



Maybe a pickup truck ?


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