Fuel cleaner/additive for ethanol in fuel?

[duffmanrha]

So I've been reading a lot lately of the ever-increasing ethanol portion in our gas and have also noticed a lot of companies are now offering something made to combat the effects of the ethanol. How necessary are these items, and what makes them different than other additives like octane booster, fuel cleaner, etc. that you put in the tank? Does ethanol really do that much damage if nothing is done?

In case it matters, I live in So Cal and use 91 octane in my '99 Cobra, and I think the ethanol level is 15% here (not sure though)

Thanks!

Eric

 

[sciphi]

There's no E15 being officially sold in the US, except 1 gas station in Kansas.

E10 has been around for a long time. Ford should have designed your Mustang to handle the 10% ethanol in the gas without an issue.

 

[dave1251]

There should be a placard on the fuel pumps at your gas station that states when oxygenated fuel is in use, in SoCal it is normally around November 14th to February 28th. Chevron is good about posting the dates on their stations.

 

[Oregoonian]

I use MMO....to overcome the effects of ethanol. I use 3 oz. per 10 gal. of fuel. I believe it also lubricates the fuel pump.

Although I have no definitive proof that it works in negating the negative effects of ethanol....I have been getting about two (2) extra miles per gallon....and my engine seems to run smoother with a bit more energy, ever since I started using it. In addition, I use Gumont Regane "All in One" every 5000 miles, to clean the entire fuel system.

'All in One' can be purchased at my Big Lots for $4....and since its good for 35 gallons....I can use it twice for my 14 gallon fuel tank. I purchase MMO in a gallon bottle at Walmart.

 

[boosted]

Mmo

 

[HTSS_TR]

There is no gas station in CA selling E15. Any gas station that sells E15 will have to clearly post the placard on the pump.

 

[TurboJim]

Originally Posted By: duffmanrha
Does ethanol really do that much damage if nothing is done?


Ethanol seems to be more of a problem in small engines and those with vented to atmosphere fuel tanks. MMO adresses E10's lack of lubrication. Star Tron combats ethanol's absorption of moisture.

 

[mechtech2]

Ethanol fuel is cleaner than pure gasoline.
But it's lubricating qualities are down from pure gas.
That is why I and others use MMo or 2 stroke oil in the fuel.
Don't overdose!

And we WANT the benefit and attribute of ethanol absorbing any water in the system. I would NEVER combat this feature.

 

[duffmanrha]

MMO is marvel mystery oil, right?

Mechtech2 - when you say that ethanol absorbs water, what do you mean? is it hydroscopic like brake fluid, and when the ethanol sucks it up it can be burned, rather than having water just sit at the bottom of the fuel in your tank?

 

[default]

I was under the impression that the ethanol would pick up water to a point that it will drop out of solution with the gasoline. IIRC, Stabil is mostly isopropyl alcohol, I think the idea there is to increase the water buffering capacity of the fuel.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: duffmanrha
MMO is marvel mystery oil, right?

Mechtech2 - when you say that ethanol absorbs water, what do you mean? is it hydroscopic like brake fluid, and when the ethanol sucks it up it can be burned, rather than having water just sit at the bottom of the fuel in your tank?


Exactly. It is a good thing, and one of the few benefits of E10. Remember, water is a huge product of internal combustion engines, so a little passing through is just fine.
Also right with MMO= Marvel

 

[AVB]

I have a friend who cleans and services fuel injectors. He said pre '99 fuel injectors had plain steel screens and ethanol is damaging them. 1999 and newer he said have stainless screens.

I think '99 was the year I am not certain.

 

[tommygunn]

Yep mmo is definitely your hest bang for the buck....3 gallons to 10 gallons is really all u need...i found qith my car it was sluggish at 4 oz. To 10 gallons...

 

[Jim Spahr]

Sta-Bil has a product to counteract the Ethanol in gas. E10 gas goes bad quicker that gas without Ethanol. It also appears to adversely affect small engines such as lawn mowers, outboard motors, pressure washers and so on esp. when they sit for more than 30 days. Here's a site with several Sta-Bil products including the Sta-Bil for Ethanol gas. So if you have a vehicle that often sits for 30 days or more or have small engines that you want to keep running smoothly, try the Sta-Bil formula for Ethanol gasoline.



http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/stabil/default.aspx

 

[Gillsy]

Originally Posted By: duffmanrha
MMO is marvel mystery oil, right?

Mechtech2 - when you say that ethanol absorbs water, what do you mean? is it hydroscopic like brake fluid, and when the ethanol sucks it up it can be burned, rather than having water just sit at the bottom of the fuel in your tank?
Hygroscopic is the term where moisture is attracted and held. The problem is that when enough moisture is retained, the fuel goes into phase separation. A layer of water on the bottom with a layer of ethanol in the middle, and then a layer of reduced octane gasoline on the top. The ethanol increases the octane rating in the fuel. Once it is burned you are left with low octane fuel that can be engine damaging dependent on the grade of fuel you use.