Fuel questions - 1980 SC

[toddetch]

I've been told that it is better to use ethanol-free ($$$ and hard to find) fuel in these older engines. I thought I would seek the wisdom of the Pelican crowd on this one. Any thoughts?

Further, when not using ethanol-free gas, which is not always possible to find, should we use higher octane, even though I think the owner's manual says 87?

Thanks!

[widgeon13]

I use ethanol free in my 84, no problem.

[dap930]

Alcohol in E10 fuels can be an issue for CIS. The alcohol attracts water in the fuel which can cause rust in the fuel system. It also tends to swell the O-rings in the CIS components. If you have to use ethanol fuels all the time like most of us, then use a fuel stabilizer to help prevent corrosion damage. My 930 left me stranded twice because the O-ring on the fuel distributor pressure regulator had swelled up causing the piston to stick. I have since converted to EFI and changed all fuel lines to alcohol compatible hoses. That is the other issue, the fact that the factory rubber fuel lines are not compatible with alcohol which will cause them to dry rot. Most of these cars are old enough that the fuel lines need replaced anyway and if replaced, it is best to install hoses that are compatible with alcohol fuels. BoxsterGT on this forum makes factory replacement hoses using ethanol compatible hose.

[toddetch]

Originally Posted by dap930

Alcohol in E10 fuels can be an issue for CIS. The alcohol attracts water in the fuel which can cause rust in the fuel system. It also tends to swell the O-rings in the CIS components. If you have to use ethanol fuels all the time like most of us, then use a fuel stabilizer to help prevent corrosion damage. My 930 left me stranded twice because the O-ring on the fuel distributor pressure regulator had swelled up causing the piston to stick. I have since converted to EFI and changed all fuel lines to alcohol compatible hoses. That is the other issue, the fact that the factory rubber fuel lines are not compatible with alcohol which will cause them to dry rot. Most of these cars are old enough that the fuel lines need replaced anyway and if replaced, it is best to install hoses that are compatible with alcohol fuels. BoxsterGT on this forum makes factory replacement hoses using ethanol compatible hose.

Thanks! Great info!!!

[James Brown]

05 and above cars/trucks ok for ETH, anything older no. Union 76 stations sell ethanol free gas, here is a free locator for all E0 stations https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12ji1gs1GXfMO6Pb6pWWiTXxPyHg&hl=en_US&ll=40.445478353119135%2C-105.20182578125002&z=4

[MARISOL78sc]

Marine STA-BIL every time I out gas in...

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by MARISOL78sc

Marine STA-BIL every time I out gas in...

^^^^ I do the same thing, Marine Stabil is a stabilizer and an ethanol treatment all in one. Used it in my boat for years.

[HarryD]

I drive my 1973 911 at least weekly. I have had it since 2003 and use normal pump premium fuel with Marine (360) Sta-bil for every fill. Same goes for my 1970 VW Bus that I have had for the last 5 years.

So far no problems related to fuel. I think much of the issue is related to cars that are infrequently driven.

[toddetch]

Thanks all!

Maybe a silly follow-up... Is it best to fill with Ethanol free whenever possible then add the Marine STA-BIL those times it's not convenient or possible?

@HarryD - glad to see you drive yours weekly here in Oregon. I just drove mine this morning To Vernonia, Scappoose, then back up Skyline to home. I didn't buy it for it to sit in the garage all the time. By the way, I found Olsen Brothers in Milwaukie and Roadrunner Gas in Scappoose both have Ethanol free.