10% Ehtanol

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Is ethanol bad for the newest cars on the road? Any reason not to use it? My gf has a 2024 Lexus and she's been using Costco gas with ethanol for the last year.

OK? Bad? Why?

[masraum]

My understanding is that the fuel lines, parts, etc... on modern vehicles are fine as long as the ethanol content doesn't exceed a certain amount (10%, 15%, something like that).

Here, it's almost impossible to find gas that doesn't have 10% ethanol. I'm only aware of one gas station that has ethanol free gas (used to be 91 octane, but I noticed the other day that it's now 87 octane).

Unlike older vehicles that have parts that degrade in the presence of ethanol.

I want to say that the change is ~2000. But I can't give you any specifics other than the vague recollections that I've posted above.

[JackDidley]

For some reason the ethanol is hard on small engines like chain saws and weed eaters. Ive never had a problem with cars.

[porsche930dude]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

For some reason the ethanol is hard on small engines like chain saws and weed eaters. Ive never had a problem with cars.

Small engines and carbureted vehicles have fuel systems vented to atmosphere so water and condensation makes its way in due to the hydroscopic nature of it. Like an open can of brake fluid. It has its way with rubber components aswell but its not as big of a problem as some make it out to be. On a newer car forget about it they are designed for it.

[HobieMarty]

As far as I know, most pump gas has at least 10% ethanol in it unless you get the ethanol free stuff. I run ethanol free in my lawn equipment.

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[Shaun @ Tru6]

I would say most gas here in MA is real gas and only small no name stations use ethanol along with Costco, BJs, etc. Mobil, etc. are all real gas. Pumps with ethanol have a big white sticker 10% Ethanol warning text on them.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I would say most gas here in MA is real gas and only small no name stations use ethanol along with Costco, BJs, etc. Mobil, etc. are all real gas. Pumps with ethanol have a big white sticker 10% Ethanol warning text on them.

Hi Shaun,

I would say you’re in the lucky minority. Most of us have to search out ethanol free gas. I wouldn’t and don’t hesitate to use ethanol in a more modern car and also don’t worry about it on long trips in the Porsche as it is not going to stay in the system long enough to absorb moisture.

Rutager

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Unless you are riding a lawnmower down the east coast tomorrow, I wouldn't sweat it.

***Edit... If you are, make sure to hit the PTO button and mow Virginia as you come by.

Thanks. R

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I would say most gas here in MA is real gas and only small no name stations use ethanol along with Costco, BJs, etc. Mobil, etc. are all real gas. Pumps with ethanol have a big white sticker 10% Ethanol warning text on them.

Nah. 23 stations in total across Massachusetts. Look up high for a little tiny-ass sticker on the inside of the pump vertical panel. Ten times that in Ohio but never use them as I don't care

You have to be released from EPA Ozone non-attainment status and then refineries have to decide to make non-ethanol gas in volume and lose margin by shipping to your region.

All hail Archer Daniels Midland.

Edit: https://www.pure-gas.org/ It seems wonky with very old dates, I trust the ones that are marinas but otherwise it's dependent on the person reporting it to pure gas.

[Arizona_928]

I’ve ran 100k km running 10% ethanol in a jdm Mazda 121… i wouldn’t worry about a new car with the corn alcohol.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

I’ve ran 100k km running 10% ethanol in a jdm Mazda 121… i wouldn’t worry about a new car with the corn alcohol.

Yep. That car is as boring as my old RAV. We should start a support group.

I saw a rich guy putting 87 in a beautiful new Mercedes last year at Speedway. I'm like (nicely) Dude, WTF you doing? He says my pal owns the MB dealership in town and said I don't need 93. I've been doing this for decades with no problems.

Trust this info as much as you paid for it but if you are not a speed racer I don't think you need it.

[Arizona_928]

I think the RAV is an order of magnitude more fun than a Mazda 121. There’s no frills with that car, but it’ll start in single digits keep you warm. ��

[A930Rocket]

On the flip side, what do our 60s-80s 911s require….Non ethanol gas?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

On the flip side, what do our 60s-80s 911s require….Non ethanol gas?

I have heard of several guys having to replace fuel lines after failure/leaks that they believed was due to gas with ethanol.

[944 S2]

I’ve started to use non ethanol on my 944S2 with OEM fuel lines I’d like to preserve. Fortunalty its not a daily driver since it’s about a $1 more per gallon where I live.

[Brian 162]

For non ethanol gas, the marina at the cottage has it. I grab a 5 gallon jug for the snow blower in the fall.

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Don't want this to go to PARF, but ask yourself why do we need Ethanol?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by 3rd_gear_Ted

Don't want this to go to PARF, but ask yourself why do we need Ethanol?

Farm lobby is very powerful in Washington.

Nothing built even semi-recently will have any issues. Like the last 20 years. If I had an older car I would probably want to update the fuel lines and still avoid ethanol if possible.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by 3rd_gear_Ted

Don't want this to go to PARF, but ask yourself why do we need Ethanol?

Most people dont need ethanol but if you have a high compression or turboed/supercharged engine it is really nice.

[HobieMarty]

For what it's worth, the gas station at our Walmart sells 90 octane ethanol free gas, and there are several local stations that sell ethanol free gas as well.

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