ethanol......is it bad?

[Phil Waterman]

With in weeks of its introduction in the States (in particular our MV club area) we started having reports of fuel leaks, gas lines, and fuel pump diaphragms leaks and complete failures. Then later we started getting reports of plugged fuel filters and trash in carbs. Then came tank leaks on fuel tanks that had been sealed with the old yellow tank sealant. Dissolving the sealant also caused problems with plugged fuel filters. They introduced it over the winter and so when spring came the first parade everybody tanked up and the fun began.

So if they are introducing E10 in your area replace all the rubber fuel lines, do not use NOS parts, be sure that the replacement rubber parts actually rated for Ethanol. Do not buy cheap "rubber" fuel lines at the local auto parts, buy Gates or some other top line company.

I can post pictures of what this stuff does to MV fuel system parts I can post some.

They are now talking about let or making the gas companies in the US make E15 which will be even worse. US environmental agency doesn't even take into consideration vehicles made prior to 1990 even those they call legacy vehicles.

E10 goes bad in the carb within a few weeks, will last longer in the tank many MV drivers around here have gone to using marine grade fuel stabilizer.

Strangely the best way to avoid hard starting with CMPs is to drive them more and or replace the manual fuel pump with a electric pump. The electric pumps really help starting as they pump a small amount of fresh gas into the carb before you even try to start it.

Cheers and have fun Phil

[elvis3006]

is there an alternative fuel here in Canada that can be found at any gas station? or are we in our hobby forced to replace/modify fuel systems to accomodate this stuff?

[chris vickery]

Just use regular unleaded fuel and you will be fine. All mvers that I know do that without a problem, I do too.

I only stated to stay away from the UPI farm stations and others that promote ethanol in the fuel. Typically there is more added in winter »(gas line antifreeze)

Do not use premium in your vintage vehicle as they were not intended to run on high octane levels. Of course the experts will chime in here, there is an exception to every rule, that being situations where an engine has been rebuilt to modern standards or suped up etc.
As far as changinging things to accomodate modern fuel in the system, neoprene fuel line from the auto parts store, modern fuel pump rebuild kits etc are a minimal investment and not really a big deal, if, and should you feel the need to go that way.

What mv do you have?

[elvis3006]

hi Chris i have a 43 GPW and a 44 WC51 3/4 ton truck. Rob

[Robin Craig]

Speaking from harsh experience, ethanol will cause "issues" long term.

There is a marine targeted fuel stabiliser the name of which escapes me but then its been a long day, may be Stabil brand, that specifically targets ethanol fuel stabilisation. USE IT.

My 2 cents worth

Robin

[Ron Pier]

Yes Robin I have heard of this brand STA-BIL. It is being imported here to the UK. Unfortunately there is a 6 week delay. Does anyone know another brand in UK? At the moment our fuel has only a 5% Ethanol content, but soon to be 10% then 15%. And zen ven all your vehicles are kaput! Vee vill attack.

Ron

[Howard]

Here in Aus our regular unleaded petrol is incorrectly labeled. It should be called "Sh*t that will burn". I should also point out that it will only burn if used within a few weeks of purchase.
My old F15 gets driven maybe 3 times a year, so for that reason I use a fuel stabiliser. It is made by Lucas in the US so should be readily available in North America. It is as dear as poison but has stopped the fuel from going off (and stinking), and stops the carburetor seals from drying out too. I have also noticed that the fuel drain-back is reduced, too. In my previous job I sold it to people who were putting boats into storage over winter, etc. I recommend it.