Ethanol

I have found that this poor excuse for fuel will draw moisture from the air and eventually make the tractor very hard to start. But it will start right up with the aid of a wiff of ether spray. The moisture will reduce the combustability of the gasoline, but the engine will run on it after it is started with ether. If too much moisture gets into the ethanol/gas from sitting too long, it will form an organic acid that eats the brass parts within the carb. I have now found a source on non ethanol gas that is delivered to my bulk tank, but costs about 30 cents/gal more. It has eliminated the fuel problems on all of our gas tractors. Some dealership shops are recognizing the fuel problems with ethanol mix and are recommending the use of straight gas.

Your car probably will not have a problem with 10% ethanol, unless it is driven seldom, or has an older carburated engine. The ethanol mix has a lower boiling point and thus will cause more vapor lock problems on real hot days.

In this state (MN) the laws regarding the use of ethanol are highly charged politically. Corn farmers want to make a ton of money, and have a strong political machine. Instead of addressing and solving the resulting automotive problems, they prefer to deny their existance.

I do not use ethanol mix in my chain saws, weed whips, lawn mowers, garden tractors, or any seasonal use equipment.

Your experiences may differ from mine, especially if you live in an area with very low humidity.

Paul in MN

You don't suppose a 40%+ increase in the cost of gasoline and diesel in the last year had any effect on those prices do you? You're absolutely right - we haven't seen the worst of it and it isn't simply ethanol being diverted to fuel use.

TOH