I found out a while back that ethanol-free gas was still legal in the next county, so I picked up 10 gallons when I was up that way, and found all my small engines were starting and running better on it. I went back to restock this spring, and found the gas stations which had been selling it could no longer get it - apparently, the subsidies for selling ethanol blends are so attractive that stations push the stuff even where not legally required!
Anyhow, rather than drive all over the country with my ethanol tester I am toying with the idea of making my own by dumping some water in the gas, then pouring off the gas after the water has bonded with the ethanol - I only need 10-20 gallons a year for small engines. Only thing is, I wonder if there might be other less obvious side effects, like removal of other desirable components in the gas. As I understand it the ethanol also acts as an octane booster, but I figure this could be compensated for by starting with premium gas.
Anyhow, rather than drive all over the country with my ethanol tester I am toying with the idea of making my own by dumping some water in the gas, then pouring off the gas after the water has bonded with the ethanol - I only need 10-20 gallons a year for small engines. Only thing is, I wonder if there might be other less obvious side effects, like removal of other desirable components in the gas. As I understand it the ethanol also acts as an octane booster, but I figure this could be compensated for by starting with premium gas.