Ethanol Testing Kit?

[kidrock]

I recently became aware of a local gas station that may or may not have ethanol-free gas. The Pure-Gas.org website shows that the station was still selling pure gas as of May, but may be switching in October for wintertime.

The gas station is Podunk, and is on the outskirts of town. It does not have any advertisements or written claims to being "ethanol-free". Some dispensers show that they have 91 octane, while others show they have 93 octane.

Since the website hasn't been updated since May, I would like to be able to confirm whether or not this place is selling the good stuff.

I did some research, and found that there are several different test kits available at various prices.

I thought I would solicit the Pelican Brain Trust for experienced advice: a good ethanol or alcohol test kit for a reasonable price. Also, if there's a way to find out whether I'm getting 91 or 93 (I'm betting that they just haven't replaced the damn stickers).

Suggestions, please.

[JAR0023]

Did you ask the folks at the station? If they really have corn free gasoline it's coming in a different truck than the corn laced fuel. One would think they would know. Ask the counter jockey who is delivering the fuel (distributor) and give them a call. Call you local marine dealer or small engine repair places.

Around here non-ethanol fuel is such a prized commodity that anyone who sells it lets the world know and charges a premium for it. My go to station stopped selling it because they got tired of dealing with the separate truck and tanks. I just happen to catch a delivery driver and quizzed him. He told me of two places he was delivering non-ethanol to so I've found another go to station.

I guess the point to my rambling is I don't trust that website it's wrong on multiple accounts in my AO. I'd be asking locally where to get fuel.

Sorry, I didn't really address you question. I just buy from advertising stations and haven't been burned yet. -J

[kidrock]

Well....finding somebody that speaks English around these parts is enough of a challenge, let alone asking some counter jockey about octane or ethanol. Some guy that looked like a regular pulled up and I asked him if they really sold 93 octane there....his response led me to believe that he probably couldn't even count to 93, or even 21 without dropping his drawers.

One more year to retirement, and I'm OUTTA HERE.

[Bob Kontak]

Can you just call them?

The clerks may know or the clerks may know the drivers that drop fuel.

The deal is the 5000 gallon trucks will splash blend 10% ethanol at the terminals, if they do it. If you can get in touch with a driver, they will know as they blend the fuel before transport to the station.

You never know.

PM me the station name and I will call if you're skeered.

Amazon.com: Mallory 9.79816 Fuel Tester: Automotive

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

PM me the station name and I will call if you're skeered.

LOL, you have a PM sir.

[enzo1]

tell them your KID ROCK!

[HarryD]

Home test for ethanol:

Find a glass jar.

Place water in it: about 10% - 20% of the jar's capacity.

Mark the jar where the water line is.

Fill the jar the rest of the way with gasoline.

Shake vigorously.

Allow to stand and see two layers form.

Check the amount of water in the jar to see if it is higher than when you started.

If it is higher the change is the ethanol in fuel.

If you want a way to calculate the % ethanol, check this article: Classic Whaler: Boston Whaler: Reference: Fuel Systems: Ethanol Test

[donlan]

Hello,A baby's bottle from chemist/supermarket would probably do the job too. Michael.

[SiberianDVM]

They also sell those little aircraft fuel testers on Ebay.

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by enzo1

tell them your KID ROCK!

I'd probably have better luck telling them that I am Vicente Fernandez. But they wouldn't believe it.

I'll probably just follow through with HarryD's advice. I'd researched that, but wasn't sure if that particular method would be very reliable. I guess I was hoping that they'd have a $10 test kit at the local FLAPS, kind of like a pregnancy test kit at the local Walgreen's.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by kidrock

LOL, you have a PM sir.

I am spoolin' up for the mission.

[kidrock]

Bob, I stopped by there this morning on my way out to work. The counter jockey was a female that had no clue. She tried to be helpful and attempted to call her boss, who did not answer his phone.

I stopped by the Dollar Store and picked up a baby bottle for this important mission.

I guess I just got all jacked up and excited because I've visited the gas site for several years now, and this is the first time I've ever seen non-ethanol being hawked locally. But this town has a reputation, kind of like Tijuana. You might not want to buy a Rolex here.

"Trust....but verify".

[Bob Kontak]

No one picked up the call from the number you gave me.

So the bottle test will be great until we reach "The man"

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Home test for ethanol:

Find a glass jar.

Place water in it: about 10% - 20% of the jar's capacity.

Mark the jar where the water line is.

Fill the jar the rest of the way with gasoline.

Shake vigorously.

Allow to stand and see two layers form.

Check the amount of water in the jar to see if it is higher than when you started.

If it is higher the change is the ethanol in fuel.

If you want a way to calculate the % ethanol, check this article: Classic Whaler: Boston Whaler: Reference: Fuel Systems: Ethanol Test

I am sure that works but.....

What do you do with the water tainted gas when you are done?
What is the gas station going to say when you pump 20 cents worth of gas into a GLASS jar? Do you then put the glass full of gas jar in your car and drive home?
I guess if you bring a new empty gas can you can buy a little gas to take home and test. I still am curious what to do with the tainted gas.

I am very lucky. I have two 100% gas stations within 1/2 mile of my house. They are more expensive than the corn gas places but I just pay the price.

[enzo1]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I am very lucky. I have two 100% gas stations within 1/2 mile of my house. They are more expensive than the corn gas places but I just pay the price.

hopefully that won't change....

[HarryD]

Glen: You do not need very much fuel to do the test. (An ounce is more than enough) You can pour off the gas phase and use it in your lawn mower or add it back to a newer car when you fill it up. The water, put it in a pan and let it evaporate.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Glen: You do not need very much fuel to do the test. (An ounce is more than enough) You can pour off the gas phase and use it in your lawn mower or add it back to a newer car when you fill it up. The water, put it in a pan and let it evaporate.

^^^this.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Home test for ethanol:

The HarryD method exposed for what it really is..............Effective.

Known oxy fuel

Before gas



After five minutes



After two hours - it's a little higher than it looks - camera angle. Maybe up a 32nd from the five min pic. Just showing so you can see the five minute test is all you need.

[HarryD]

Bob,

Thanks for the pictures. However, not my method, you find the procedure published all over the web.

For those wanting to do this, use a tall narrow container to see the volume change better..

[kidrock]

Good job, Bob.

I know we got a positive verbal confirmation, but I'm gonna run the test during my next fill-up. The tanks clearly state that they "oxygenate" the fuel with up to 10% ethanol from Oct-Mar, so I'll prolly run another test later.

I'm also gonna track down "Michelle" and ask why a few of the tanks claim 91 octane while others claim 93. Curious, especially since the prices are the same.

Thanks again for all your help.