I normally run #1 gas in everything but the truck so I don't have problems with E-85 but I think the kid borrowed the 72 last year and must have put E-85 in it. Normally after it's winter nap I toss some gas down the throat and it coughs to life. Not this year. Gas smelt a bit off so I pumped some from the tank to look.
Normal gas on the right. What was coming out of the tank on the left.
I estimated 7 gals in the tank. There was about 11. After waiting for the extra gallon to evaporate off the ground I put 10 gals of fresh #1 in the tank and tried to start it. It coughed, sputtered and ran for a bit. More gas tossed in the throat. Started and ran but really rough then died. More gas.....started, ran a bit better and then "POP" and quit. I sat in the car thinking maybe some Seafoam to see if I can clear the carb. I get out and there is flames licking under the air cleaner all around. Extinguisher mounted just inside garage door. I broke the plastic pin in the extinguisher in my hurry to use it. Damage is minor. Replacing the carb (it's gone up $65 in the 17 years it's been on the car), one spark plug wire (getting a whole set) and the air cleaner/element. Now we see how fast Jegs delivers to the border.
Could have been a lot worse:
I already did a bunch of "While your in there" stuff. Fuel lines, filters ect....The air cleaner element was brand new.....