15% Ethanol - Is it safe?

[eddypeck]

Ok so the only real issue is letting it sit over a period of time? I've spoken to a few classic car guys that treat ethanol like cancer, saying it can damage an engine. They say E15 vs shell gass will basically change the tune, as ethanol will lean the engine out. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Yep, recently finished restoring a VW bug, replaced all the fuel lines with SAEJ30R6 rated for unleaded fuel, to then be told it will only last 6 -12 months. So did it all again with R9 rated but even then was told that might only last a few years.

 

[wymple]

Just not true; wish it were tho.

What part ain't true? Fuel lines didn't rot before ethanol? BS. Fuel pump bladders didn't rot before ethanol? More BS. Carbs never went bad? You think I just make **** up or what?

 

[fastfrank]

Oh, and I meant to post that our 10% ethanol here in NY is probably what has been causing white, silty deposits in my carbs on another bike (ZRX). The tank is pristine, the manual petcock is new, and there is a new 40 micron inline filter before the carbs, but I'm getting this non-magnetic, dry, white silt inside the carb bowls that might even be sticking the needle in #3 and flooding the heck out of that cylinder. I am doing my best to troubleshoot this, but so far nothing else makes sense. I even had the carbs completely rebuilt.

 

[Guest]

I've noticed the same stuff Frank. I assumed it was oxidized aluminum. Is it possible the gas is eating away at the carb bodies?? Honestly, I don't know fuel chemistry like some people act like they do, but I do know there's just a little more tinkering around going on with our fuel than I'd like. I laugh when I hear young guys asking about these snake oil concoctions you can add to fuel to prevent whatever malady your engine may suffer yet I feel inclined myself to use additives like StarTron frequently to try to negate the problems with the fuel. Am I just as silly? It's not always easy keeping up on how long gas has been in a tank or how much is in every tank when you have six or more vehicles in your stables. Then throw in the fact that in Michigan where I live we get winter and summer gas.... kinda drives me a little crazy at times. 'My bike is running like sh&t today. Is it just the gas or do I really have a problem?' This train of thought goes through my mind far too often than it should be necessary.