Topic: Ethanol
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
Anyone have a problem yet with Ethanol in fuel... ?
I have heard stories about moisture in fuel tank and problems with fuel lines disintegrating.. we have 10% here and hope it is not a big problem down the road.. anything i should watch for ?
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Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
From what I understand 10% should be ok. They are bascially replacing the MTBE (nasty stuff) with Ethanol. The MTBE is a oxyginate additive and an octane booster but it's also super toxic and has been showing up where it's not supposed to be, like in groundwater
. Ethanol as an additive to fuel (my opinion) is a better way to go. It can be corrosive to metal and rubber but that's usually in much higher concentrations and where the difference lies between the flex fuel E85 vehicles and why ethanol is difficult to transport, SS tankers etc... I know there are condensation and freezing/gelling issues on the aviation fuel side which is why it's not used but you kind of have to put that into perspective with auto use.
. Ethanol as an additive to fuel (my opinion) is a better way to go. It can be corrosive to metal and rubber but that's usually in much higher concentrations and where the difference lies between the flex fuel E85 vehicles and why ethanol is difficult to transport, SS tankers etc... I know there are condensation and freezing/gelling issues on the aviation fuel side which is why it's not used but you kind of have to put that into perspective with auto use.
I'm not sure how it would affect our older cars gas tanks and gaskets though
? That might be something to think about. I'll have to look into that myself. As far as fuel lines it's a pretty good excuse to get SS and new synthetic soft hoses 
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? That might be something to think about. I'll have to look into that myself. As far as fuel lines it's a pretty good excuse to get SS and new synthetic soft hoses . Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
I don't know if this is true, but I've heard several people say that it's bad for your carb mainly.......something about the gaskets won't last with the Ethanol.
Has anyone one hear heard this?
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
[QUOTE=greypoupon69]I don't know if this is true, but I've heard several people say that it's bad for your carb mainly.......something about the gaskets won't last with the Ethanol.
Has anyone one hear heard this?
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that's what the service guy told me when I brought a less than a year old lawnmower in for warranty work. Blamed the carb problem on the gas I was using, the only gas available in my area. That was 8 years ago. It still runs good after the "repair" that they made me pay for.
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I had a similar problem on my mower. The gaskets were eaten away. The lawn repair guy said same thing, the gas eats it away. Changed the gasket but he said it would probably happen again.
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
[QUOTE=mkapp7879][QUOTE=indy99]Changed the gasket but he said it would probably happen again.[/QUOTE]
That's what the guy told me too, but no problems since. Better gaskets?
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Could be, but it won't hurt to watch ALL gaskets on our vettes....just in case. 
Also, from what I've heard, the C5 won't be a problem because it doesn't have a carb on it.
Also, from what I've heard, the C5 won't be a problem because it doesn't have a carb on it.�����
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
[QUOTE=79rebuild]I'm not sure how it would affect our older cars gas tanks and gaskets though? That might be something to think about.[/QUOTE]
That's a very good point. Ethanol hasn't really gotten any kinder to elastomers and metal fuel parts; it's just that the newer components are made to tolerate it better.
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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