Here in Florida, almost all gas stations have a nice label on the pumps stating "Contains up to 10% ethanol". Seems the bureaucrats in Tallahassee have mandated that all gasoline should have ethanol.
That may be okay for newer vehicles that have been Flex Fuel compatible, but how about older vehicles that are not Flex fuel? I understand ethanol erodes o-rings, corrodes some metals, and turns some rubber into a gooey mess.
I have seen first hand the corrosion effects on some OPE, especially on the cheap zinc-plated carburetor parts. Diaphragms and gaskets get stiff and crumble. This is even with using a quality 2-stroke oil and stabilizer.
Do the people that mandate this use realize that not everyone can own/drive a car that is compatible with ethanol? They should allow some stations to provide fuel without any ethanol.
It seems the oil industry is addressing it now with GF-5 specifications.
I would love to hear from any mechanics that have worked on vehicles with ethanol related problems.
Just venting.
Dave
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