Ethanol Free

[Safewiz]

Started using Sunoco Rec 90. Seems to run great, and since this is my daily, I feel much better about not running ethanol. Any changes I should think about since the Rec 90 is a higher octane fuel. Or does this not matter much in these older engines?

[Special Coupe Frank]

Doesn't "need" the extra octane, won't hurt anything, expect maybe your wallet.

If you feel it's worth the extra $ to get away from the alcohol, then it's justified ?

It's when engines start pushing past 8:1 CR that high-test gasoline is required.

Happy motoring !

Frank

[Safewiz]

Thanks. I was a hot rodder for years so I know the harmful effects of ethanol on carbs. And I don't mind a few more cents if it saves me problems down the road.

[Dick Steinkamp]

A great article in the latest issue of The Restorer by Howard Eckstein..."How the Model A Engine Breathes"

Here's the first paragraph...

"Whenever you think your Model A is not as peppy as it used to be, you check the normal things such as timing, spark plugs and point gap, carburetor settings and the like. If that doesn't help, you blame it on the corn squeezins with which suppliers are diluting your go-juice. That excuse is fine until you're at the back of the tour trying to catch up with the others who are burning the same gas."

[mshmodela]

Since I switched to 100% gasoline last fall, my car runs much smoother... I've yet to take a camera shot of inside the cylinders... Like most Model A issues my hiccups are electrical..

[Beater]

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why should eth hurt a cast iron carb?

[J Franklin]

The only problem with ethanol in the original model A would be if it was left to go stale after a few months sitting. Maybe I would want to add some top oil also to keep the valves from sticking.

[ODFever]

Ethanol is a solvent. I breaks up varnish that has built up in the tank and fuel lines. It destroys gaskets and seals. It eats the fuel tank linings. It absorbs water. I will NEVER run ethanol fuel in my Model A.


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[denis4x4]

I buy bulk gas from the co-op and while it has some ethanol, it is not as much as the service station variety. My hot rod A's run just fine. However, the damage done to my small motors and a Honda outboard by ethanol has been very expensive. SEMA went to congress and testified against upping the percentage from 10% to 15%.

[mshmodela]

E85 aka 85% gasoline, 15% ethanol is not certified on many modern OEM of cars, my 2012 Jeep for example.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

E85 aka 85% gasoline, 15% ethanol is not certified on many modern OEM of cars, my 2012 Jeep for example.

Per: US Dept of Energy
"E85 (or flex fuel) is a term that refers to high-level ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51%-83% ethanol, depending on geography and season."

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

Per: US Dept of Energy
"E85 (or flex fuel) is a term that refers to high-level ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51%-83% ethanol, depending on geography and season."

Still, less your car in E85 certified, it will not be wise to use it...

[Bob-A]

I run 90 octane non-ethanol gas in my old cars, lawn equipment and Harleys. I bump up the octane for the Harleys by mixing in some 110 octane racing gas. The old Panhead appreciates it. Right now the non-ethanol gas is running $3.35 a gallon in Dade City, FL. Well worth it to me!

Bob-A

[JD 1931]

My opinion is that I cannot see any difference in performance using non ethanol vs. ethanol. I cannot any harm to the zenith carb. since I use the original steel float valve and not the rubber tip one so ethanol gas should be fine to use. Also my A does not sit without use for long periods...

[Tinker]

I like to run non-eth in my cars. But they sit more then I would like. Seemed to really help in that situation, as far as leaving it for a few weeks and then just jumping in and driving. If I was driving daily, i'd be inclined to fill up with 10% from time to time.

In the late 20s-early 30s wasn't octane around 50-60?

[holdover]

After seeing what alky gas can do to the new fuel tank and gauge of my '65 mustang, I will never use it again with one of my classics. It rotted the fuel line on the pickup tube in half and corroded the inside of the tank which was installed in 2014. It as not a china tank... I can imagine what it might do to a Model A tank. Where I live non alky gas is available and cost about .50 a gallon more. The new tank and gauge for the Mustang was over 150.00 Your mileage may vary......

[Mitch//pa]

We get moderns in that sat for a few years and the ethanol ate right through the electric pump metal housings.. It's nasty stuff when allowed to sit

[Tom Wesenberg]

I've heard from two guys that bought flex fuel vehicles and thought they could save money by using E85. The fuel mileage and power was way down and both had to have their engines rebuilt at 60,000 to 65,000 miles.

I'd sure like to see an end to that crap gas.

[tbirdtbird]

"I'd sure like to see an end to that crap gas."

we have an election coming up......

[Gold Digger]

I burned ethanol for a few months about 4 years ago and never had anything but trouble. Stopped buying crap gas and stopped having trouble with fuel tanks, fuel lines, filters and carbs.