Is E10 Ethanol bad for Lil' Maggie?

Sledge Hammer · April 08, 2008, 11:35:58 AM

Has anybody been running 10% ethanol fuel long-term? All the gas stations around here are changing over and I'm wondering if that's a high enough concentration of alcohol to start damaging seals and gaskets.

trapper · April 08, 2008, 01:25:16 PM

The following was excerpted from the Exxon/Mobil website

http://www.exxonmobil.com/Australia-English/PA/PS/AU_PS_Fuels_Ethanol.asp

"Many motorcycle manufacturers do not recommend using ethanol-blended petrol in motor cycles. Check your owner's handbook or call your engine's manufacturer to see if ethanol blended fuels are appropriate for use. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) website www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol also contains a list of motorbikes capable of operating on ethanol blends up to a maximum of 10% ethanol. The FCAI website includes a list of manufacturer contacts."

The link mentioned above contains a cross reference of E10 capable vehicles and those that are not. A listing of motorcycles is included as well as explanations of why or why not E10 can be used. E10 is NOT recommended for use in Honda motorcycles, especially carburated ones. Other Ethanol sponsered websites will tell you it is perfectly OK.

http://www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol.php/2007/05/00000005.html

By no means am I claiming to know anything about this, and my research has been somewhat limited. I am certain however that the benefits and cautions are subject to debate...

By the way...I got a big kick out of your new nickname, Guy. I suppose you are, "...working under the covers, don't you know...."

Excuse me, does your dog bite?

Mack · April 08, 2008, 01:36:13 PM

I looked in my owner's manual for my 97 third gen. It says explicitly that you may use 10% ethanol gasoline in it.

Jerry G Turner · April 08, 2008, 04:42:04 PM

Around the dallas, ft.worth area what are your options all the stations have the 10% mix.

Sledge Hammer · April 08, 2008, 10:47:16 PM

Quote from: trapper on April 08, 2008, 01:25:16 PM

By the way...I got a big kick out of your new nickname, Guy. I suppose you are, "...working under the covers, don't you know...."

Excuse me, does your dog bite?

Merci, Monsieur Flynn, for all the links to the E10 resources. Ah, the old ethanol ploy. If there's one thing I appreciate is a good ethanol ploy.

Yes, I am working under the covers, don't you know. I would tell you more, but it would be safer for you not to know.

And that is not my dog. However, I do have a proper lisanse for my myunkey...

Au revoir,

Guy

Sledge Hammer · April 08, 2008, 11:01:06 PM

Quote from: Mack on April 08, 2008, 01:36:13 PM
I looked in my owner's manual for my 97 third gen. It says explicitly that you may use 10% ethanol gasoline in it.

Doh.

I have a manual around here somewhere. Guess it would pay to keep it where I can read it. Thanks, Mack!

trapper · April 09, 2008, 08:36:45 AM

ROFL...!!

MagnaDaddy · April 09, 2008, 11:31:36 AM

Corn liquor has always had really good numbers: 0 to stupid in 10 seconds flat

much faster than any other elixir

Lurkin · April 10, 2008, 08:58:47 AM

I've had my 01 for a bit over 2 years now, and live just outside Houston. If I recall correctly, I have "had" to use E10 for the entire time. No ill effects that I can see/hear/feel.

Rod...

Greg Cothern · April 10, 2008, 09:49:42 AM

Might notice a bit of symptoms from lack of octane, but not enough to hurt anything. One could bump to a higher octane level if so desired.
The Magna as you know was designed for 87 octane.. I have been running the 89.

Lurkin · April 10, 2008, 12:15:13 PM

Greg, I believe (from my own minimal research) that ethanol actually has a higher octane number then the gas it replaces. It has less energy per gallon, but higher octane.

Rod...

Greg Cothern · April 10, 2008, 12:45:07 PM

Ahh Less energy would do it too!

I say they should bring Ethel back!

hootmon · August 11, 2008, 07:50:04 PM

BTW, my '94 has a sticker on the Frame that states to use 91 Octane, not 89 - and the motor knocks if I us regular.

Charles S Otwell · August 11, 2008, 08:06:40 PM

Are there any differences in the California models on the octane requirement?

Magniac · August 12, 2008, 07:51:51 PM

My '94 California Magna owner's manual says 86 or higher octane. It also says the gasoline can contain up to 10% ethanol, up to 15% MTBE, or up to 5% Methanol. I have used 89 octane in it with no discernible difference (except the higher price). The one time I tried 91, it ran like cr*p and got lousy mileage, so I went back to 87 and that's where I'm staying.