10% methanol

[trapshooter]

I filled up the other day, needed a defribrilator by the time I finished, but noticed the pump said 10% methanol. How will this effect my fuel system and engine? Is there anything I need to change in the fuel system? Will this cause damage to the gaskets and seals? Does anyone know? Trapshooter

[trapshooter]

I filled up the other day, needed a defribrilator by the time I finished, but noticed the pump said 10% methanol. How will this effect my fuel system and engine? Is there anything I need to change in the fuel system? Will this cause damage to the gaskets and seals? Does anyone know? Trapshooter

[dieselclacker]

No problem with the 10%, other than a drop in power and mileage. I used two tanks a couple of years ago while going across Iowa and South Dakota. Noticed a distinct power loss on the rolling hills and more frequent downshifts. Mileage was around 1 MPG less than usual. Other than that, no proplems.


Dieselclacker

[Petro]

trapshooter;

I suspect the pump sticker said ethanol and not methanol. At least that is what the pumps around here say. I have tested 10% ethanol in my coach for several months last summer and into the fall. You will not experience any problems. I even compared mpg and found a slight decrease. Alcohol is a cleaning agent and if you have crud in your fuel system at will clean it out and deposit it in your fuel filter. If you use it for any length of time I would change the fuel filter as a precaution. I found nothing negative with its use. Positive aspect is you should never have gas line freeze up if you travel in the north in winter. I believe there are several states that require 10% ethanol in their fuel. Illinois is one and I think Minnesota may be another. Wisconsin right now is studying the issue. 10% alcohol in gasoline raises the octane level 2 numbers.(87 becomes 89)

Don

[Paul Heuvelhorst]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by trapshooter:
...but noticed the pump said 10% methanol. How will this effect my fuel system and engine? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
California fuel mixes used methanol a few years ago as a way to make the fuel produce less smog. Then they approved the use of MTBE in its place... and found that invades the water aquifier. Now ethanol is the preferred, approved additive.

Some say these additives reduce mpg and/or power. I have never noticed either effect, and the fuel powers my engines just fine without any ill effects.

[DriVer]

A 10% ethanol mixture is acceptable for use in a GM 8.1L engine. If possible opt for better than 85 octaine if you're running in the western states.

[trapshooter]

Thanks to all that replied. I did mean ethonol rather than methonol. I guess I will have less "alcohol" next time I send a message.

[cvrvr]

In 2005 we were touring around the upper midwest and found the least expensive gasoline to be regular unleaded with 10% ethanol. After running about 100 gallons of the stuff, I found that it was cheaper to jump up to midgrade gas without the ethanol. My gas milage was much better without the ethanol.

George

[trapshooter]

I was to believe that all the fuel 87,89,and higher all contained ethonol. Is that true?

[Ray,IN]

I know of no gasoline engine manufacturer that recommends the use of methanol. Ethanol blends lower than 10% are acceptable in standard gas engines. E85 engines are assembled with different gaskets and metals in the fuel system. Some South American countries use ethanol in large percentages; in American cars made back to the 1050's. They modify the fuel systems.

[John-D]

The biggest advantage of 10 percent alcohol in your gas is in the winter here in the great white north.

For years Amoco advertised "My Advice Sir, Get De-Icer" and guess what De-Icer is, Yup, Alcohol

Used to have gas line freeze up on my car, switched to De-Icer (Amoco) and the problem went away. Friend (Daughter's godfater in fact) laughed about how much I was paying for Amoco till the water in his tank froze and broke his $300 fuel pump... Then he switched.

10 percent is not a problem. 85 percent is

[oemtech]

John-D

I worked at a Amoco station when they advertised De-Icer. Would it surprise you that I saw the tanker driver pouring "Heet" in the tanks when he delivered gas.

[campercat]

What ever happened to oxygenated fuel...they tried it a few years ago in the winter months here in Washington state. I'm assuming it's different from E85....apparently it didn't do what they wanted it to do. I do remember that many vehicles had problems when the switch was made to oxygenated fuel.

[rvten]

Corn is only good for eating ro drinking. Corn in gas SUCKS. Used to live in Chicago/Milwaukee area. Forced to buy that corn/gas mix. Only thing it does is make $$ for corn growers.