Ethanol - taking precautions

[JaredK]

I've been searching the forum and other sources online to try to figure out what the bottom line is on running gas with ethanol in these old engines. I know which stations around here have Ethanol-free, but I'm going on a road trip from Ottawa to Boston (600km) next week and I don't want to spend half my time hunting for gas that isn't blended with ethanol!

Here's what I've found from this site:
- Ethanol can deteriorate some of the rubber parts in our engines (carb boots, diaphragms, o-rings, gaskets, and fuel and vacuum lines if they aren't resistant)
- Ethanol-blended gas separates if it sits too long, and that separation is bad for the engine once it hits the carbs.

My question is this: if I'm on a road trip, constantly riding and refueling, would it be bad for me to use gas with Ethanol in it once in a while? Would any regular fuel stabilizer, like the Sta-Bil I used for winterizing my bike, help? Or do I need something specific for ethanol and engines that use carbs (I saw someone mentioned an "ethanol conditioner")?

 

[16VGTIDave]

I've run E10 a few times, and the brass jets show minor corrosion from it. The bike ran ok, but... Avoid it if you can.

If you get a chance, go on one of the whale watching cruises when you are in Boston. And the Duck Boat tour of the city. Both are lots of fun, we did them last summer. Have a safe ride!

 

[Lou Ranger]

When I had the bike in Florida last Jan, I was able to buy ethanol-free at very few places, but, being as they have so many boat-owners demanding it, all of the marinas carried it and a very few stations nearby. It's almost $1/ USgal more though.

I was able to find a stabilizer-type product in one of the Auto supply stores which advertised itself as specifically formulated to help prevent ethanol damage in old engines. I carried it around in my saddle bag and when I had to I would use it.
If I can find the bottle or remember the brand, I will add it to this thread later.

 

[Lou Ranger]

It was not this brand, and I will continue to try and remember, however, this article offers some encouragement:

http://petelandrysrealgas.com/2013/...a-bil-should-be-your-fuel-additive-of-choice/
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Here is the site I used in Fla to locate a few gas stations which had a separate pump island for non-ethanol gas. I was usually 89 or 90 octane as I recall.

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=NY​

 

[XSLeo]

There are more and more gas stations around selling non ethanol high test, 91 octane. I don't recall the website but they have them that list all the non ethanol gas stations by state.
Leo

 

[XSLeo]

The one I have book marked is http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?statepro=NY It list the states and Canadian provinces.
Leo

 

[JaredK]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll use the pure-gas website to mark a few gas stations before I go that might be on my route. Seems like its mainly the smaller non-chain stations that carry ethanol-free. It might also be a good idea to bring along a bit of fuel stabilizer just in case. (The Sta-Bil Marine product advertises that it prevents corrosion from ethanol, although I'm not sure if that's just the corrosion from water separation and long-term condensation, which wouldn't be a problem if I'm on the move).

 

[Lou Ranger]

Here's a scary article about ethanol and all kinds of additive products, many of which contain hidden alcohol.

http://www.fuel-testers.com/fuel_additives_gas_treatments.html
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I am sad to report that SEA FOAM fails the test!
But 2 or 3 others pass