I live in St.Petersburg Florida. I've noticed while pumping the premium like a pimp, that the gas at hess has 10% ethanol. Does it make it better for my car or may be worse? Does it raise the 93 octane to above 100? Im not sure about it.

 

It's rated at 93 octane with the 10%. The only thing that I've noticed with the 90/10 is that my mileage suffers a little so I avoid it. But I have the luxury of having good 93 available here in MI. So I can avoid the ethanol mix and the 92 octane.

 

Ethanol isn't great for plastic fuel lines or anything else in the fuel system that isn't designed to run it. It probably isn't a big deal, but like Al said.... enjoy reduced mileage

In fact, running anything over 93 octane is pretty pointless in these motors (or any motor that isn't designed for it) unless you've built up your motor to the point that it no longer takes 93

 

Didn't realize they were trying to pawn that stuff here in Florida now. Isn't that considered RFG and not required here? Haven't seen it locally.

 

Nope ReFormulated Gasoline is not the same as gasahol.

 

AFAIK all gas in MI is E10 (10% ethanol). About 3-5 yrs ago the law stating it had to be labled was repealed and the stickers were removed and all the gas stations that had real gas switched over.

any modern car won't even notice (durability wise), they are designed for it. you will notice a drop in mpg though.

 

I wish I could E85 here, let alone E10. My new truck will use it, and regardless of the small loss of mileage, not using gasoline 1. Does not benefit the middle east, 2. Helps our farmers, 3. Saves more gas for my camaro!

 

do a search on e85 on ls1tech.com. there are a few really big threads on its pros/cons and adaptability to non-flex fuel cars.

 

The con- reduced power per gallon, not as volatile in cold temps

The pro- stretches our existing fuel reserves 10%, provides a market for local alcohol production- you will never have to add 'dry gas' in cold areas-

 

I've noticed this in some of our local stations aswell and never realised... I guess I should try and find a station that using standard gas...

 

Oregon just jumped on the 10% band wagon. I am hoping some scientist can figure out how to make methanol using grass clippings. I have a big lawn and it would make cutting it a bit more enjoyable.

 

I believe switch grass is what is being looked at, as it has more engergy than corn. It also won't be pressuring a food source.

BTW cars don't like methanol, it's ethanol you should be looking to be making.

 

Cars DO like methanol. Look up methanol injection and Snow Performance Methanal Injection. Cools your intake charge....

 

I have heard from a local guy that does small engine repair that the ethanol based fuel is horrible for the small air cooled engines - mowers, weed wackers, etc.. He did say, as above, it is murder on the plastic - but also it raises the operating temp and he has seen more and more landscapers coming in during the summer months with damaged motors and melted parts.

He claims Briggs and Stratton recommends no more than something like 2-3% ethanol in their motors (like we have a choice )

Man, if that's true it is scary that this stuff is being forced on us and is damaging our property.

 

You can take that approach - or you could say that the mower-makers...(not a word) need to augment their products - ethanol ain't going anywhere....