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Ethenol, Octane, and Additives

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Cenzoooo, Jun 29, 2006.

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  1. Cenzoooo

    Cenzoooo Karting

    Jul 20, 2004
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    Queens, NY
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    Vincent L
    #1 Cenzoooo, Jun 29, 2006
    I did a search, but I see none of the threads about today's fuel seem to be too recent. It seems that in the past year every gas station now has labels on the pumps stating 10% ethenol. Are there any products on the market that can counter the harmful effects it has on engines? I can't find a station that uses no ethenol in their gas.
    For older cars, what is the best additive to use when filling up to replace lead? If Cam2 fuel is used is an additive still necessary?
     
  2. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Don the 16th
    #2 don_xvi, Jul 3, 2006
    I'd suspect that in New York you used to have MTBE, now replaced with Ethanol. If so, everyplace will have it, no getting around it. Likewise, there's no way to replace the missing BTUs (within the realm of reason, you might be able to add a gallon of nitro or benzene or somesuch with each fillup!) that the Ethanol doesn't have. You're starting out down by ~2.5% fuel economy. Unless you believe in acetone (subject of another long contentious thread here at Fchat).
    I don't know of anything that can be done to neutralize the corrosive effects of Ethanol, but the story is that 10% is safe for "anything". :|
     
  3. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    The Meister
    #3 Meister, Jul 3, 2006
    I've used a lead substitue I buy at Walmart (and any other mega store) for my 66 Corvette called "CD2 Lead substitute" and don't seem to have any problems. If your older engine is comming up for a rebuild, just have them put in hardened seats, and you don't need to use a lead subsitute.
     
  4. Dr.T348

    Dr.T348 Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
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    Richard T.
    #4 Dr.T348, Jul 4, 2006

    Would some of these water removers/additives counter act the corrosive effect of ETOH?
     
  5. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

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    Don the 16th
    #5 don_xvi, Jul 5, 2006
    Not that I know of; they're alcohol themselves. Isopropyl I think.
     
  6. Fred2

    Fred2 F1 World Champ
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    Jan 2, 2005
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    #6 Fred2, Jul 5, 2006
    Well, not exactly.

    On my street/racebike, I have a alumium tank cap bonded onto a fiberglass tank with a Urethane adhesive.
    It worked great for many years, until I filled up with 10% ethanol.
    The ethanol softens/disolves the urethane adhesive.

    Now the tank leaks, and i have to take the carbs apart and clean them.
     
  7. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Dave M.
    #7 dm_n_stuff, Jul 5, 2006

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