10% Ethanol in 92 Octane

[Guard Bum]

My favorite gas station (a Pilot Truck Stop) just recently added a big sticker to all of there pumps stating up to 10% ethanol mix. I don't know if they have a new supplier of fuel or just new posting requirements. In any case, should I be concerned about this? I have an 84 with a stock 3.2.

I did a search an saw some concern in pre 1984 cars, but nothing for 1984 or later. Do I need to find a new gas station? Thanks.

[David]

No, all of us in big cities have had this for years. Just make sure your fuel lines are in good condition. IMO, an '84 is right on the edge of still having good rubber fuel lines.

[Kaliv]

What does rubber have to do with corn?

[slodave]

Ethanol has been known to degredate rubber fuel lines.

[David]

Ethanol isn't good for rubber lines, but even with 100% gasoline the Porsche fuel lines are suspect after 25 years or so. Better safe than sorry .

[cgarr]

It can swell up rubber parts too, We had a needle an seat in an aircraft carb with a rubber tip that was huge after using ethanol added to fuel, that can shut down the fuel flow. Now I don't have such a concern in my cars so much but try keep a dash of MM oil in the fuel from time to time.

[Hester]

There has been a lot of discussion about ethanol in gasoline on this board, other Porsche boards, and all over the internet.

From what I have been able to figure out, I would rather not have it, but, there is no point trying to fight it so I might as well get used to it.

Ethanol has a high octane (i.e., resistance to auto-ignition under pressure at high temperature) but it has low energy content so it takes more of it to do the same amount of work (fewer miles per volume).

Ethanol also has a larger capacity to hold water which is why they oil companies won't put it through the pipeline here in Southern California. One of the reasons our gas is more expensive than other places is that the oxygenating agent (Ethanol) has to be transported to the region by truck.

Other than the fact that the production of Ethanol is diminishing the supply side of the food chain, Ethanol seems like a good source of fuel, so long as your machine is designed to deal with it.

The other thing that I have read is that Ethanol can tend to loosen contaminants in the fuel system so being dilligent about changing your fuel filter is a good idea.

[3.2 CAB]

I believe that Mississippi, is now one of the 10% states. All I have seen just recently had the 10% in all grades.

[Johnb911]

CGARR,

Whats MM oil?

[PatrickB]

Marvel Mystery Oil. Google it, or even search on this Board. Some call it snake oil, but I'm on the other side of the fence. I've seen it work miracles in Aircraft piston engines! Safe to add to your fuel, or your crank case.

[3.2 CAB]

Marvel Mystery Oil, is not a "snake oil" product. I have been using it since 1973 for various needs. The stuff works. I have seen stuck lifters in a lot of old engines, and rings get un-frozen on many old(vintage) engines. I always keep it in stock in my shops.