As you are aware, it is difficult to find gas stations that offer anything other than E10- 10% alcohol at the gas pump in some Pennsylvania and many Maryland areas. The government claims that it helps the environment while some citizens think it is just a farm subsidy. They feel the amount saved on our dependence on foreign oil is negated by the 10% less fuel efficiency. Whatever the case, it is here to stay and can potentially damage the fuel systems and engines in our collector cars, farm and off-road vehicles and equipment without preventative action.
Although some replacement car parts made in the last 10 years have adjusted for it, many original parts containing rubber or fiberglass such as gaskets, o-rings and gas tanks are susceptible to the alcohol. Check these parts and replace them in your vintage car with their ethanol-friendly equivalent to avoid fuel system leaks or breakdowns.
Most trouble occurs when storing a vehicle, tractor, chainsaw, etc. as the alcohol starts to separate from the gas within a few months time. If you cannot start and operate the vehicle on a regular basis, here are some storage tips to help prevent problems: fill your tank to avoid condensation forming in the remaining air space and fog your carburetor with fogging oil to prevent condensation in the bowls.
Do not use dry gas which contains alcohol add to compound the problem. In contrast, there are additives on the market that will stabilize the fuel, but read the label to make sure they are manufactured to counter the alcohol separation.
However the best solution is to run ethanol-free gasoline where possible (which has at least three times the shelf line of E10) and contains conditioners to prevent problems due to extended storage. (Locations are listed on these pages.) Some stations stock octane grades from 87 through 93 for your vehicle, depending on its needs. Some race fuels are either ethanol free or contain less that 10% alcohol. It costs a little more per mile but will provide ongoing worry and damage-free long-term operation of your engine(s). By Alan Power, contributing writer
