Ethanol in gas?

I specifically avoid ethanol fuel in in my old cars (1968 Mustang, E23 and E9) when I can.
There is a location near me that carries non-ethanol fuel (both 87 regular and 92 premium) - so that is not a problem for me.

I also keep about 50 gallons at my house for backup generators or small engine use.
I ONLY use this ethanol free fuel here as it better handles long term storage (with Stabil).
I also only used this fuel in my 1986 SeaRay runabout boat... I have had previous issues with fuel gumming up the carb (when using ethanol fuel with Stabil).
I have not had issues since using ethanol free fuel across the last 10 years. The boat is 35 years old.
 
I specifically sought out (not difficult...) ethanol premium gas (93 R+M/2) on a high compression classic where I needed the equivalent of 100 (euro) RON. Non-Ethanol premium is generally 2 points less, or 91 around here. It allowed me to add less tetraethyllead (Octane Supreme).

I have read the problems of ethanol for years but in running a variety of classic cars for 15 years I have not experienced any evident untoward effects so I do not worry too much about storing and running ethanol (E10) gas. I do stay on top of maintenance of course and use SAE J30 R9 fuel hose whenever possible. I add Stabil prior to the 4-5 month slumber with a nearly full tank. This latter point I still am on the fence about. Winter is so dry here that I truly doubt fuel tank condensation would be a problem.
 
mark99 said:
Scott's original question was the opinion that he should always use gas WITH ethanol,
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Oops!!

the only thing which comes to mind as a positive is that it ‘absorbs’ water more than straight gas so you can worry less about condensation creating a pocket of water in your tank or lines .
 
I run only e85 in my e9 and I like it alot. No cat and no smell. I'm even thinking of adding the grape scented top lube. In cali where I live is actually closer to e90 at my local station.
 
scottevest said:
That is correct. I was surprised when I searched for this I did not see a thread on this topic. Perhaps I missed it. It was just surprising to learn from my mechanic that using ethanol was preferred. I’m not sure if this mechanic is any good though
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oops…sorry Scott I had assumed it was a typo and that your mechanic had suggested 'gasoline without ethanol".

Either way I hope the thread provided some good general info to others, whilst maybe not answering your question unfortunately.
 
My experience with ethanol is that it absorbs water which can cause fuel system issues including rust in a tank if the fuel sits in the tank for a long time. Especially so in a damp environment. Keep your tank full if you don’t drive your car often.

In addition I found that the cohline e85 cloth braided fuel line for fuel injection doesn’t stand up well to ethanol which is a big concern. I experienced a fuel leak in less than a year of use with the main feed line going to the fuel filter. The leak was at the connection. The hose had started disintegrating.

I shared this experience with a couple of 02 and a Porsche friends and they had the same experience.

If you are using the rubber hose with the mesh fabric please have a close look at the hoses. The rubber will be soft and the area where it is leaking will leave your hands black.
 
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Only issue I have ever had with ethanol fuels. It ate the rubber on my 1933 Packard Twelve auxiliary electric fuel pump so it had a slight leak when it was running. My old braided 2002Tii braided fuel hose failed after a drive in 2017 & filled the garage with fumes, leaked out about a pint.

My BMWs are stored for 4-5 months at a time. I always fill the tanks & never use any fuel stabilizers. The cars start every Spring without fail. In the Winter I run a dehumidifier 24/7 snow melts fast when the garage is kept at 60° F. Our X3s are our Winter cars, I run snow tires year round on mine.
 
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