FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I safely use E10 type gas in all my engines?
Answer=It depends on several factors...
Most modern engines are designed to run on ethanol blends up to 10% alcohol. The primary reason most experience problems with E10 is solely due to gas sold that is contaminated with excess ethanol and/or water.
IMPORTANT: Phase separated E10 fuel is the primary cause for all "E10 gas-caused engine damage".
Common symptoms of excess alcohol or water in gas:
Vapor lock and fuel starvation (stalling, hesitation, inability to start engine), corrosion/rusting, premature disintegration of fuel pump, oxygen sensor damage, clogging/plugging of filters, fuel injectors and carburetor, reduced gas MPG... More E10 gas problems/damage...
Winter Storage:
For prolonged gas storage, it is always safest to leave gas tank empty, when E10 is only gas type available in your area.
E10 gas will only remain stable (water-free) for a maximum of 3 months, when stored under ideal low humidity conditions. Gas without alcohol stayed stable for years.
Important: No gas additive can prevent ethanol's natural ability to attract/absorb or remove water in a sedentary engine. Products such as Stabil, only "perk-up" stale fuel by increasing energy content; They do NOT prevent or remove water from gas tank.
Gas Additives:
No miracle gas additive exists that will prevent or treat the most common causes of (E10) gas contamination...
Gas additives that are most useful (preventive) will contain ingredients that raise the BTU energy, raise octane (which drops 2-3 points when gas phase-separates) and most importantly will lubricate to protect engine parts from the drying,solvent and deterioration effects alcohol causes.
---> Always check product ingredients before use with E10 fuel type. Most gas additives that have been in the marketplace for years, contain strong solvents, cleansers and/or alcohol, which is contraindicated for use with E10 gas type. Example: All gas antifreeze products contain 95% or more alcohol, which is not only unnecessary since the 10% concentration of E10 is plenty, but excess ethanol will increase risk for water absorption and parts damage.
VIEW Manufacturer E10 Fuel Warnings:
Mercury, Evinrude, OMC, Harley, Suzuki, Hyundai, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, Ford, Polaris, Briggs & Stratton...
Current e-NEWS:
- E15 is now being sold - EPA issues plan to mitigate engine damage from mis-fueling...More information.
- Mercury Marine releases study - A blend of 15 percent ethanol and gasoline caused so much damage to boat engines during a government-funded study that the testing of two of three motor types ended early. Study released October 2011.
- FUELSAMERICA.org: After eight state governors, (North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, New Mexico and Virginia), petitioned the EPA to waive the RFS, a large coalition of ethanol promoters joined forces to defend RFS, launching a high cost advertising campaign on Sept. 27th, 2012. The stakeholders include: Advanced Ethanol Council, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and others who have relentlessly manipulated the EPA to replace our primary type of conventional gasoline to ethanol-blends. Ethanol-free gasoline is now a specialty fuel almost impossible to locate.
- Florida legislation to repeal the state's mandate for 9 to 10 percent ethanol was postponed... See HB 4013 and SB 238.
New Hampshire's attempt to ban ethanol in gas failed (20011-12). See HB 374. Details (boston.com):
Many changes are taking place in all states and worldwide, both pro and anti-ethanol.
Read Fuel-Testers Company newsletter e-NEWS for more details.