Gas and ethanol?

[Acacia]

The gas stations around Houston are now all serving gas with 10% ethanol blend. 100 miles out of Houston the gas is cheaper and does not appear to have the ethanol.

Anyone experiencing any issues with the mix?

Years back in South Africa, the local gas from coal process was yeilding about 60% of the coutries gas needs - with methanol mixes. (Sanctions and no natural oil reserves forced the country to develop this major alternate source of energy). Was disasterous on carbs - a green glue would form inside the float chamber and eventually block the jets - as well as eventually destroy the aluminum casting. Of course the company, SASOL, denied any responsibility - and then quielty months later started advertising a new safer mix - so much for State manopoly's !

[DarthRider]

Yeah, methanol is a great race fuel but a terrible street fuel...it requires stainless steel lines & fittings and special gaskets & seals in the fuel system. And it is highly hygroscopic although I don't remember if it retains that characteristic when mixed with gasoline.
I worked for the world's largest producer of methyl alcohol and the auto fuel program was a bomb.
I haven't heard pros or cons about ethanol, but it is certainly a reality now.
Good question.

[geechie]

Ethanol, I believe, is potable.

George

[DarthRider]

Yeah, you can drink it too!

It's called "Everclear"..or even "Vodka".

[arkline]

In the clean, green state of Washington, we run up to 10% alcohol at least half the year. It seems to be okay with modern machinery, say anything designed and built in the last twenty or so years. Mileage goes down a bit. Top end suffers a bit. And emissions go down a bit too.

If you own older bikes, there is some chance that there will be a bad interaction with rubber parts in the fuel system, say O-rings and stuff like that. The big thing to consider is that alcohol has a tendency to dissolve the sludgy stuff in your gas tank and allow it to run through your carbs/injectors. An inline fuel filter is a must, but most modern machinery has fuel filters, so aside from clogging one and sitting by the side of the road, no damage should ensue. Alcohol is hygroscopic, as Dave mentions, and it will slowly remove water in your tank and other fuel collecting areas.

Not to worry. Alcohol is one possible fuel future. And it definitely enhances the beer experience...

[DarthRider]

"...And it definitely enhances the beer experience..."

Beer...not just a breakfast food anymore!