Had to run 10% ethanol then hard start??

mikesride · mikesride's Garage

Was running low and had to fuel up at a station that uses a 10% ethanol blend. Car ran fine but then after being parked for three hours it didn't want to start. Had some Dyson 104 octane boost in the garage and added some to the tank seems to have helped.
Is this the issue all the guys who complain about the ethanol blends are talking about? I try to avoid it solely because of what I have read here. Is it possible that I will feel any further negative effects after this tank runs through? (1982 sc with cis)
As always guys/girls thanks for any input or info I would be lost without your help!

mack6820 · 06-26-2011, 08:37 AM

I ran on ethanol for years in Virginia because you cant get regular gas there. I never really had any issues but I do notice a smoother running engine now that I'm in Oklahoma without the ethanol.

83SC, CIS

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

I doubt the fuel is your problem.
All i can get has ethanol in it....no problems so far.
Sounds more like a residual fuel pressure problem.
Got a test gauge?

mikesride · mikesride's Garage

Yeah guys it felt just like it did before I replaced the fuel accumulator last year. The real strange thing is that it seems OK. Next step is to search threads for checking pressure drop and start there...

Neel · 06-26-2011, 09:09 AM

Have to use it in South Carolina, also... No problems with vehicles, problems with small engines~ mowers, chain saws etc..

Steve@Rennsport · 06-26-2011, 09:44 AM

You might want to replace the fuel pump check valve if this persists; its not an ethanol issue.

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Mike,

Check the residual fuel pressure. Don't blame the ethanol, it has nothing to do do with your engine's failure to re-start.

Tony

BKC · 06-26-2011, 09:31 PM

I finally said, "Screw it", and filled up with Shell in my carbureted SC. Didn't really think much about it but now that you mention it the car failed to fire right up when warm with throttle floored as recommended by our host in his book. It started fine but didn't immediately start as per normal. We'll see if the carburetor seals fail!

As a side note, I've been taking the car to red line on a regular basis and its helped significantly with my smoking under hard acceleration due to running rich. So, hopefully no more fouling plugs! Not used to driving a real sports car.