I own a boat and was just reading a posting on one of the boat boards that included a letter to boaters from a Marine Insurance Company about Ethanol Gas. I thought I would repost it here because there are some things mentioned that could affect your car as well. Here is the letter:
Ethanol is here and its use is required in 21 states many of which are big boating states.
Fiberglass tanks made prior to 1985 are not safe for this additive. ETOH
is a strong solvent that will clean tanks and lines and this will lead to
clogged fuel systems. The new fuel will react with older fuels containing
MTBE octane boosters and creat a tar like goo that will damage valves,
push rods and more. The new fuel can also strip protective coverings
from metal fuel system components including it seems, metal fuel tanks.
The shelf life of ethanol is measured in weeks. It loses its ability to boost
octane at end of its shelf life. Consider octane boosters for old fuel so
your engines do not run lean and hot. Buy fuel only if you intend to use it
soon. If you buy fuel with the old octane booster and the ETOH by
necessity you will likely have problems. If you must do this, run the old
fuel level down as far as possible before adding new fuel. When
winterizing, store your boat as empty as possible, stabilize the fuel and
seal up the vents. Add two weeks worth of fuel in the spring prior to
starting the engines. If you experience phase separation, dispose of that
fuel and add fresh. Have your fuel system inspected by an expert if you
suspect you have ETOH related problems. This is a developing issue for
the boating industry. Look for ongoing updates.
Ethanol is here and its use is required in 21 states many of which are big boating states.
Fiberglass tanks made prior to 1985 are not safe for this additive. ETOH
is a strong solvent that will clean tanks and lines and this will lead to
clogged fuel systems. The new fuel will react with older fuels containing
MTBE octane boosters and creat a tar like goo that will damage valves,
push rods and more. The new fuel can also strip protective coverings
from metal fuel system components including it seems, metal fuel tanks.
The shelf life of ethanol is measured in weeks. It loses its ability to boost
octane at end of its shelf life. Consider octane boosters for old fuel so
your engines do not run lean and hot. Buy fuel only if you intend to use it
soon. If you buy fuel with the old octane booster and the ETOH by
necessity you will likely have problems. If you must do this, run the old
fuel level down as far as possible before adding new fuel. When
winterizing, store your boat as empty as possible, stabilize the fuel and
seal up the vents. Add two weeks worth of fuel in the spring prior to
starting the engines. If you experience phase separation, dispose of that
fuel and add fresh. Have your fuel system inspected by an expert if you
suspect you have ETOH related problems. This is a developing issue for
the boating industry. Look for ongoing updates.