I posted this on the main board as well, I always try to use Non Ethanol gas in my old cars and power equipment. There is a site pure-gas.org that lists locations in the USA and Canada to buy non ethanol fuel, very handy when traveling outside your city or state. Mark
I don't understand the big deal about ethanol fuel. In NJ there is very limited non-ethnol (if any) available. I have used 10 % for many years now, will no ill effects to any of my cars, old or new. I do not use any junk like Sta-Bil. Never had any fuel go sour after sitting over the winter. Does it have the energy of non-ethanol, maybe not based on what a lot of people are saying but I doubt most people will see the difference Also use it in my lawn and garden equipment. Same situation although I run them dry in the off season.
I had limited success running E10 in my old cars as long as they were stored in the garage or shop during the rainy season here in Oregon. Got into a situation where I had to leave a couple in the carport over the winter (very damp) and had a severely rusted gas tank with a badly corroded carb come spring. I do try to start the cars every month or so during the winter. Anyway, cost me several hundred dollars in repairs so been non ethanol ever since. Yes, I have heard arguments that it is not necessary but I am glad it worked for you without the extra expense of non ethanol. I had some negative experience with StaBil additive as well.
Mercury Marine advises to use Sta-Bil 360 marine when using 10% ethanol. I've followed that recommendation and have encountered no problems with my 225 outboard. During the restoration of my '54 I used fuel line that is rated for ethanol gas. I'm not sure ethanol that would make storing a car in the damp cold of OR more susceptible to rust and corrosion. To my knowledge the alcohol only attacks rubber. Just noticed you are from Rickreall. I'm a graduate of Dallas High. Go Dragons'
Yes you are correct that the alcohol only attacks the rubber in fuel lines, fuel pumps, accelerator pumps in carburetors, etc... The water that the alcohol absorbs and holds in the fuel is what creates the biggest issues with old cars and boats. New cars have stainless steel in fuel injectors, fuel pumps, plastic or stainless fuel lines, and most importantly totally sealed to atmosphere fuel systems that can't draw moisture from the air. In the summer if you are driving your old car a lot and it is dry you can run E10 without much of an issue. Storing your car over the winter is when the problems are created and show up when you try to start to drive in the spring.
After 1 tank of ethanol fuel I had to change out the needle and seats in my carb. When I took the fuel bowls off they were covered in a white chalk like substance. I learned my lesson about it real quick.
The only “flexible” line on my 56 is between the frame line and the fuel pump and it’s a modern replacement for a 55-57 Chevrolet V8 from Danchuk. (The car doesn’t know or care). Keeping the car “stock” as Ford did eliminates a lot of problems. Replacing needles and seats and accelerator pump materials is the key and also driving the car. I’ve used 1 oz of Star Brite additive in each tank fill up for 11 years and never ever hand a problem.
I've never had any issues with any of our cars, but tons of problems with lawn equipment until I switched to ethanol-free for the lawn mowers and weed-wackers. Now, everything starts right up, even after sitting over the winter. Ethanol-free is readily available in Amarillo. A gas station on the other end of our housing tract sells it. BTW, regular gas is, and has been, down to 2.40ish here....how about other parts of the country?
any where between 3.30 and 5.50 around here...Both are extremes. Most are around 4.25 Seems to depend on what the local taxes are i think...
Our local VP stations (they sell race fuel as well) is 4.89 for 92 octane non ethanol premium and $3.62 for regular 87 octane ethanol just for a range. I found $3.39 for regular at Costco. January 1st we are getting a "carbon tax" added to our fuel cost here in Oregon. Washington is already paying this tax that does absolutely nothing to reduce emissions but does increase the amount of money the politicians get to blow on stupid ****! Sorry for the rant. Mark
In Taxifornia we are lucky to buy any gasoline. A large city near me has just outlawed the selling of gas powered lawn care equipment by anyone 1-1-24 and its use by 2025. In my area Teslas are everywhere even next door. Screw um’ my daily use truck has a Coyote in it……
Man, it kinda a bummer that they get so crazy in west coast with fuel prices, taxes, etc… I think I bought fuel for 2.79 the other day. We can also get ethanol free but you have to leave Harris county (I think), which is a large county. But I’ve really not had many problems with the ethanol gas, but I haven’t kept it in anything sitting very long either.
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