Community Forums

Crabby Mike · 07-11-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay

You might be interested in a new abiotic oil theory being discussed about how oil is formed.

That "theory" is neither new nor believed by the vast majority of oil industry experts. I read most of that post, and it's (IMHO) total hogwash.

And I say that after a 30-year career in the oil industry.

Airtool · 07-12-2011, 05:44 PM

Ethanol will kill small engines in short time so it stands to reason that it is not good for larger ones. Living up North we get to use straight petroleum in the winter. The mix will not work when it gets real cold. I stock up on some for my chainsaws,lawn mowers, and trimmers for the summer.
I just go some information regarding an additive for Ethanol fuels.
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - HOME
I'm going to tune myself into a test center and see if it works to keep the lawn equipment running and the performance outcome.
A 16 oz bottle is like 14.00 and treats like 100+ gal.
Dick.

bbeane · 07-13-2011, 03:54 AM

Ehtanol, is hard on rubber componets, as well as some metals, and plastics. Older vehicles with carbs will have issues for sure. But we are going to have to deal with it, just like us diesel folks have to deal with low sulfur. As far as the cats and 02 sensors go, I take care of 250 motor vehicles of all sizes and I can't say that ehtanol contributes to the failure of the cats or 02s, you might have other issues, (fuel control, air intake, clogged mufflers, overloaded vehicle) that need to be addressed, you did not say what year and model of your M/H.

Superslif · 07-13-2011, 08:25 AM

The original thread poster (that's me) had issues on his 05' Toyota V-8 4-Runner with 40k miles. I took it in to the Toyota dealer today for some fluid changes and they were going to check to see if the catalytic converters were failing again.

pwf16129 · 07-13-2011, 09:11 AM

i agree i don't think ethanol in your fuel is hurting your catalytic converters, i have run up to 50 percent well 50 percent e-85 with half a tank of 10 percent in my 1996 s-10 since they started selling e-85 down here and it runs fine as long as i don't forget which time it needs gas instead of e-85 that mucks things up in a hurry, i did try it in two of my carbed v-8 chevys with disastrous results will foul the plugs in a hurry and leave you afoot quick. but the wife's hhr runs great on straight e-85 has more power at least in warm weather but we lose a full third of it's fuel mileage so we went back to regular gas.
i would do an internet search to see if that is a problem that they just aren't talking about before you run out of warranty. i have had several vehicles over the years that had problems that we had to force the issue on because of manufacturers don't want to admit their problems.
the company i work for goes through this constantly we run several brands of trucks and trailers and with nearly 70.000 pieces of equipment we find problems that they don't even know about and then the fun starts
good luck

RovinOn · 07-13-2011, 05:17 PM

Ethanol needs to go away like the politicians in Washington,,, Both are useless.
There was a big article in our local newsrag, some very respected people commented on the fact that ethanol does do damage and yes it destroys catylitic converters, and the people who produce them just love it!
Ethanol serves no useful purpose in our fuel tanks except to pad someones pockets.

Superslif · 07-13-2011, 06:21 PM

For us consumers it is a lose-lose-lose situation. #1 causes corn prices to double / higher prices for foods made with corn. Also causing feed stocks to raise / higher beef and poultry prices. #2 less mileage per gallon bought. #3 "possible" damage to engine components.

Now the big ? not talked about. Were doing this to save mother earth. But processing all this corn to Ethanol also uses energy. From farming more fields, more chemicals to grow high yield corn, harvesting, transporting to new processors built to handle Ethanol, delivery to refiners...

jreyn114 · 07-20-2011, 05:39 AM

An O2 sensor can cause your Cat to go. If the O2 goes bad, and too much fuel can get dumped into the cylinders. The overly rich fuel mixture can ignite in the Cat and break down the monolith. I had that happen in an old Intrepid. Always get O2's changed as soon as you know they go bad. I had a mechanic explain that to me as he was replacing my Cat and O2 sensors. Hope this helps.

Jeff

Gary801 · 07-20-2011, 09:46 PM

I'm lucky where I live. We have a major truck stop on the local Indian Reservation. About 2 months ago they installed 2 Ethanol Free Premium pumps so now for my generators & other small engines I use, that is all I put in them. The good news is being on a Federal Reservation, I can pump my own fuel. The bad news is until the gov't stops paying subsidies to grow corn to make that crap, we're stuck with it. The Ethenol Free Premium is about the same price as diesel.

KoolBell · 07-22-2011, 05:18 PM

Two things..
1.) Stabil ethanol fuel treatment. Use by the instructions.
2.) Fuel injection cleaner at every oil change
Use of both of these products is a must to keep your engine running smooth.

RedneckExpress · 07-27-2011, 02:07 AM

Not liking the idea of E-15, since my engine isn't rated for it and given that oregon mandates E-10 in all gasoline sold in the state, the morons would most likely immediately mandate E-15.