08-05-2014, 10:40 AM
Gas with 10% ethanol has been the only oxygenated fuel available here in the Phoenix area for at least 10 yrs. It's mandated by the EPA, so there's no ethanol free option.
I haven't had any problems with it in my modern vehicles (those with fuel systems designed to use E10). None of the vehicles sit unused for long periods of time, so old ethanol isn't an issue (I don't have gas powered lawn/garden equipment).
I have had ethanol related issues, but only on old vehicles whose fuel systems were not designed to handle alcohol. My '69 Mercury ragtop had an issue with 1/4 inch rubber fuel lines that swelled like hot dogs. My old '59 Cessna was inadvertently fed E10 once and it dissolved the carb float. Alcohol laced fuels are strictly forbidden in aircraft (most of which were built in the 80s or earlier) for exactly that reason.
I haven't had any problems with it in my modern vehicles (those with fuel systems designed to use E10). None of the vehicles sit unused for long periods of time, so old ethanol isn't an issue (I don't have gas powered lawn/garden equipment).
I have had ethanol related issues, but only on old vehicles whose fuel systems were not designed to handle alcohol. My '69 Mercury ragtop had an issue with 1/4 inch rubber fuel lines that swelled like hot dogs. My old '59 Cessna was inadvertently fed E10 once and it dissolved the carb float. Alcohol laced fuels are strictly forbidden in aircraft (most of which were built in the 80s or earlier) for exactly that reason.