Ethanol vs Non Ethanol Fuel

What type of fuel do you recommend burning in a 2000 550 Maranello?

 

The owners manual for my 575 clearly states not to use fuel containing alcohol. Unfortunately all fuel contain at least 10% alcohol in ca. I once removed a fuel pump of a 355 and all the rubber parts in and on the fuel pump had turned to goo. I use a fuel additive by Lucas for ethanol. I don't know how effective it is. I guess we will see in a few years. There are a few gas stations that sell ethanol free fuel but they are few and far between. Another option is race fuel unleaded 93 octane. Problem is you have to buy it in a drum and it costs a premium. There is much talk in ca about CARB increasing the ethanol content of our fuel and the car enthusiast are fighting it. I think its an up hill battle with government that doesn't care about our cars and feel that be should all be riding bicycles to work.

 

You can go to Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada to find ethanol free stations in your area.

 

Thanks. It is a great initiative. Unfortunately, at least in the Pacific Northwest, things are evolving fast, and all the ones listed turned out to be all superseded. They are now selling the usual ethanol gas.

 

If one was intent on non ethanol, Marina's will carry it in most areas. Octane levels at Marina's may be slightly lower however.
Bill
FL

 

I would do some research on the pros and cons of using Ethanol fuel.

Some where I read (wish I could remember where) the results of using Ethanol in cars not designed with Ethanol fuel in mind. The results were not good.

I would hold off putting it into my Ferrari until I knew what the results are going to be.

ceb39

 

Usually near water you will find plenty of gas stations that carry ethanol free fuel. Some shell v power is ethanol free as well... Atleast here in NC

 

550 owners all over the States are using gasoline with ethanol. The only thing that really seems to hate the ethanol is the rubber parts in the fuel pumps, but I am not so sure those just do not like gasoline and ethanol has nothing to do with it.

 

Gas stations near marinas and race tracks or stations that also sell race gas often have ethanol free 91. Fortunately a nearby station sells leaded race gas only in cans. But 100octane 9% alcohol in a pump. (CAM 2). My car likes a 50/50 mix of 100 octane race gas (9% ethanol) and 91 no ethanol so around 94 octane. GTS Bruce

 

In case anyone is interest, us lucky folk in Canada have many options when it comes to ethanol free gas. Shell V-Power in Canada is ethanol free (Shell V-Power® Premium Gasoline - Canada), and in the case of the province of Ontario, this site shows all 142 ethanol free gas station locations in the province: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada. If you look closely the site also allows you to jump to areas showing where there are ethanol free gas stations in the USA.
There is also an App on the iPhone and Android called "Pure Gas" which will show you the closest ethanol free stations in your area.

Clyde

 

Ethanol will eventually destroy any rubber parts in the fuel system. It may take a while, but eventually the rubber turns to goo.

 

Reynolds- Than why did you ask the question in the first place if you already knew your answer?

 

If you clearly know this, why do you need to pose the question on which type to use?

 

Good point Taz - I really didn't know to what extent rubber was used in the fuel system on these cars.

 

I am new to these cars - just trying to learn. I have been running only non ethanol in my car since I purchased it in March. Wasn't trying to offend anyone.

 

I believe the current consensus on ethanol is for those that drive their car on a regular basis, keeping the fuel moving, ethanol will have minimal effects. For those of us that use our cars occasionally, where a tank of fuel can last for months, ethanol fuels may have a detrimental effect.
Falling in the second group, I also mix 98 non ethanol from the speedway 50/50 with 90 octane marine fuel. It's a small inconvenience for peace of mind and for what I hope is insurance. One added benefit is that it's an excuse to go to the track to see what's going on...

Will also add that I have had personal fuel system failures in two older vehicles. A low mileage 1990 ZR-1 (16k miles) driven occasionally lost it's fuel pump within months of ethanol coming on the market. Coincidence, maybe. Soon afterwards a Musclecar restoration put into service with new everything including tank, lines and nos fuel pump. Ran beautifully initially than gradually lost fuel pressure after a few hundred miles. Pulled fuel filter, completely gummed up with little black rubber balls. New filter and retest, fuel pressure still down, measured at 30% of normal. New fuel pump, no more ethanol, no more problems. Evidence? for me it was...
Bill
FL

 

As stated above, Ethanol is toxic to all rubber pieces within the fuel system (including hoses) when your car sits and is not driven regularly. It's the moisture accumulated within the fuel system from sitting that is the catalyst for the ethanol that begins the deterioration of the rubber components. There are several fuel additive products out there to help prevent this rubber deterioration process. Hope this helps...

 

Yes... Evidence... http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/376471-misfires.html

 

I had an incident with my SWB 911 where the hoses were deteriorating from the inside out...a black powder was in the float bowls of the Webers. I just didn't drive it enough.