ethanol good or bad

[Steve]

Why not splurge and spend the extra $1.50 a tank for the good stuff. Id rather spend the money then OH the carbs myself

Are you saying it's "the good stuff" because it's ethanol-free or because it's 91 octane?

Personally, I would rather run 87-octane gas with ethanol than 91-octane "premium" gas for any of the vehicles that I run on a daily basis.

Higher-octane fuels burn slower, so ignition timing needs to be advanced to light the fire at the proper time. Without that advanced timing, peak pressure inside the combustion chamber happens too late to do the job properly and you actually get less power in the process.

"Higher octane" does not mean "more energy", either. A gallon of high-octane fuel contains fewer BTUs than a gallon of regular, assuming similar amounts of ethanol in both samples.

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[SqDancerLynn1]

The issue with the 300zx is that one leg of the injectors are always tied to battery + 12V. The other is switched by the ECU. The problem is that the water transported by the ethanol is conductive and creates a path to ground. Over time the electrolysis damages the injector coil and the result is an open injector. By disconnecting the battery I can eliminate the electrolysis issue but it's a royal PITA.

Have you thought about a racing type shut off switch Or hook up the injectors 12 supply to a relay ?

[alke46]

Bottom line here is this, is there a special blend of sta-bil just for ethanol? Or do we use seafoam as an additive? I thought I had read something about that but can't be sure.

[Steve]

Yes, there is an "ethanol blend" Sta-Bil.

What is it you are trying to do with it?

If you are wanting to add it, a little at a time, to every tank of fuel, it is my opinion that you will be wasting your money.
But at least it's your money, not mine.

For winter storage, I have (almost) always used the "regular" Sta-Bil, because I was only recently made aware of the ethanol blend version. I tried Seafoam for winter storage one year, let's just say I am back to using Sta-Bil.

There are some that claim better performance by adding an ounce or three with every fill-up, but I find that a bit awkward to try. Yeah, some of us have storage on the bike, but for those that don't, try wrestling with a partly-used bottle of fluid every time you go out for a ride and see how long that stays in use. Even though I have TONS of storage space available on either of my bikes, I don't add anything to the fuel on any kind of a regular basis. Once or twice a summer, I might add a can of Seafoam or Techron Fuel Injection Cleaner, but nothing regularly with every tank.

Just a reminder, but a few posts above this was a notice that you are among the last in the country to be "blessed" with ethanol-enriched fuel. Don't worry about it, just make sure you don't accidentally add E85, you will be just fine.

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[Tamara]

I've seen a few stations around here with 15% ethanol . I avoid those with both my car and my bike.

[Steve]

I've seen a few stations around here with 15% ethanol . I avoid those with both my car and my bike.

Good move.

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[JTGS850GL]

As stated earlier, the main issue is water retention. If the bike is driven daily, there is less issues with this. If you ride once a week or less, then it may be a good idea to add some to each tank. No need to add it at time of fill up. You just add an ounce when you get home and be done with it.

On my 300zx TT I've solved the issue by adding a relay to switch the hot wire going to the injectors using the ignition line. This killed any electrolysis problems.

As for ethanol being good for all engine designs, that's not completely true. There are engine designs that don't tolerate ethanol well at all and there are some that were designed specially for ethanol. The lower BTU is also a big problem in my book. You pay more for a product but get less out. Poorer fuel economy is not a good solution to a fuel “shortage”.

[tom203]

Stabil came out with a new version for "marine" use a few years back; boats have a serious problem with ethanol based fuel since they sit in or near water. Older engines (pre 1980) are very vulnerable. In addition, folks tend to use boats infrequently to add to the fun. I use a maintenance dose of this Stabil - 1 oz per 10 gallons- so a $10 bottle can treat 80 gallons. Cheap insurance if you happen to stumble on a gas station that filled their ethanol laced fuel tanks on a rainy day. I double the Stabil dose over the 4 to 5 month winter nap.

[JTGS850GL]

Stabil came out with a new version for "marine" use a few years back; boats have a serious problem with ethanol based fuel since they sit in or near water. Older engines (pre 1980) are very vulnerable. In addition, folks tend to use boats infrequently to add to the fun.

Same issue with motorhomes. I have a 36' 1992 Airstream Landyacht with a 454 engine. I use Stabil in that as well.

[Steve]

I double the Stabil dose over the 4 to 5 month winter nap.

That has been my "standard procedure" for several years.

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[JTGS850GL]

I just ride my bike during winter... That's my solution. Of course I do live in Georgia.

[alke46]

Yes, there is an "ethanol blend" Sta-Bil.


Just a reminder, but a few posts above this was a notice that you are among the last in the country to be "blessed" with ethanol-enriched fuel. Don't worry about it, just make sure you don't accidentally add E85, you will be just fine.

.

Thanks Steve. My bike and I will sleep better now knowing we don't have to be so uptight about the E10.

[aaaaaaaaaachooo]

Bumping this b/c of a story that upset me with my new bike.
PO lets me know it needs ethanol-free gas. I say, OK - great.

When I go to fill up, it's at a place that fills it for you.
The guy says "Fill her up?" I say yes.

This clown fills it to the brim.......lol !!
I'm like uhhh, OK. I put the gas cap on, and the **** is running all down my gas tank while I'm inside paying.

This fool is lucky I haven't re-painted the bike yet..... lol

Anyways, I'm using Ethanol-Free 91 Ocatne. Why 91? Idk. lol
From the sound of it in this thread though, I should probably just start using the 87 Octane.

[tom203]

Always do your own filling (on bike) to avoid this situation- most gas attendants are unaware how fast gas is delivered out nozzle.
Just use 87 octane (with 10% ethanol max) and save money. But add stabilizer (and run in) if bike sits idle for a while.

[1_v8_merc]

If only there was a way to make ethanol from sugar...it would be x1000 faster and cheaper.




Nah...were too busy putting it in everything from cheerios to energy drinks.