15% ethanol

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pacofortacos

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Same here for the mower.
When in Florida, the truck feasts on 90 REC non-ethanol. Good for another 2-4 mpg towing :)
Last time the 90 REC was almost the same price as E10 87.
Boat gets the 90 REC too as it is only used 1-2 weeks a year.
 

mcarey

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I may be mistaken as I really don't care about it but I thought that was the plan, otherwise how is it going to drop the price - other than increase distribution, but most gas stations aren't going to invest in another tank to hold it if they currently don't carry it.
And I hope they don't go E15 87 octane.
In my opinion, it won't, really. It's only going to instantly impact those who go to those ~2300 stations in the first place. And the difference isn't that great in price, either way. I'd guess the hope is that it'll lessen the demand on non-E15 fuel to some degree. But yo no se. I guess helping some is better than helping none, even if it's rather insignificant.
 

HEMIMANN

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Kwik Trip is pushing E15 88 Octane here in the upper midwest - they make more money with a cheaper, subsidized additive (ethanol). I only use E10 89 Octane in my Hemi. Top Tier only.
 

pacofortacos

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Come down to the low country and see how good the 85 is. lol
When I drive to Colorado, I still use the 87 octane since, I know I will be coming back down. Or I fill up in Kansas with 89 octane and then the 85 octane gets close to 87 in the tank depending on ratio. A lot depends on the cost.

When we went out at the end of Fed., going out gas wasn't bad, coming back a week later the same stations were 30-50 cents higher a gallon. If only the wind didn't kill my mpg :( For some reason it is never a tailwind out west. lol
 

Grand Mesa

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For anything less than 87 Octane; I know that Ford has a bulletin out that octane less than 87 can DAMAGE engines. Some of the corn pone gas blends are low octane.

85 octane with 10% ethanol is the only gasoline available at our nearest pump. Next available gas is another 40 miles.

Our high performance boat's V8 tanks gets filled with 85 octane gasoline due to that's the only grade available at the Elk Creek Marina on Colorado’s largest lake.

Ford doesn't take in account an average of 6,800 feet state elevation.

"In the most recent statistics from 2020, the results show what has been a constant in Colorado, two-thirds of drivers use regular (85) octane. It is a close split for the remaining drivers between midgrade (87) and premium (91).Mar 17, 2022"
 

mikeru

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In my opinion, it won't, really. It's only going to instantly impact those who go to those ~2300 stations in the first place. And the difference isn't that great in price, either way. I'd guess the hope is that it'll lessen the demand on non-E15 fuel to some degree. But yo no se. I guess helping some is better than helping none, even if it's rather insignificant.
The article I read said that they were also investing $100 million into biofuel infrastructure, which I assume means more gas stations offering e15.
 

mcarey

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The article I read said that they were also investing $100 million into biofuel infrastructure, which I assume means more gas stations offering e15.
Could be. Could also just be better infrastructure for E10, E85, and biodiesel. Your guess is good as mine, really.

I don't see a huge push for long-term E15 expansion, especially when considering the environmental impacts, coming from the current administration. But that too, is not much more than an assumption.
 

sandawilliams

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This was the difference in price during the summer...which is why I did not understand the rulers comment about the ban.

It is always available here.

But he also had to be lead away from adult conversation by the Easter Bunny.
The bunny bailed him out- he was telling everyone Happy mothers day.
 

soapy

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My experience is 15% better mileage when using non ethanol fuel. Of course someone here had to tell me I did not know what I was talking about on my own experiences over the past several years.
 

Dr. Righteous

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Rueters just came out with a article on ethanol and it states that it actually creates 24% more carbon pollution than plain gas. It has to do with analysis of all the carbon released with its manufacture. It also has less energy so you get 10 to 15% less mpg with it. I try to run pure gas anytime I can.
There is no doubt the whole Ethanol+gasoline thing is nothing but a scam and it has HURT our economy. When the government started PAYING farmers (subsidies) to truck their corn crop to the ethanol plant rather than producing food stuffs; the prices of grocery store jumped sharply. Live stock and poultry production rely on corn. Also corn and corn based products go into a lot of the food we eat. It caused everything to get more expensive. Does anyone remember the rioting in Mexico because the prices of corn tortillas went way up?

REGARDLESS of what most people claim personally my experience running Ethanol+Gas fuels is I got worse mileage and worse performance. One of the best vehicles we ever owned was a '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L It ran like new on 100% gas; smooth as silk. But on Ethanol+gas it pinged, got worse mileage, and performance was sluggish. I wasn't going to crack it open to investigate since it had nearly 200K on it. The fact is Ethanol in any amount is a poor fuel in an engine designed for gasoline. When the last gas station that was near the house went to Ethanol gas, we put it up for sale. Fast forward to now. If I fill up on ethanol gas in my 2014 Hemi RAM; even considering engine management is much more sophisticated still compared to 100% gasoline; it does not run as smooth, it is more sluggish and gets worse mileage.
This is the most glaring issue in my opinion. Corn is a poor choice if you want to produce Ethanol.
Other types of grasses (switchgrass) are a much better choice and WOULD NOT impact the economy by causing food prices to spike. How much better? Considering the return on energy used to produce and process the grass it is 540% return as compared to 25% return for corn. (info from Scientific American) So why are they not sourcing these grasses instead of corn? This is not hard to figure out. It is about political power. Some politicians purchased the farm vote with this scheme they remain in power.
You want to give the U.S of A. a real economic boost? END the farm subsidies for Ethanol.
Probably will never happen. You will not ever see Washington let go of political power.
 
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sandawilliams

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There is no doubt the whole Ethanol+gasoline thing is nothing but a scam and it has HURT our economy. When the government started PAYING farmers (subsidies) to truck their corn crop to the ethanol plant rather than producing food stuffs; the prices of grocery store jumped sharply. Live stock and poultry production rely on corn. Also corn and corn based products go into a lot of the food we eat. It caused everything to get more expensive. Does anyone remember the rioting in Mexico because the prices of corn tortillas went way up?

REGARDLESS of what most people claim personally my experience running Ethanol+Gas fuels is I got worse mileage and worse performance. One of the best vehicles we ever owned was a '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L It ran like new on 100% gas; smooth as silk. But on Ethanol+gas it pinged, got worse mileage, and performance was sluggish. I wasn't going to crack it open to investigate since it had nearly 200K on it. The fact is Ethanol in any amount is a poor fuel in an engine designed for gasoline. When the last gas station that was near the house went to Ethanol gas, we put it up for sale. Fast forward to now. If I fill up on ethanol gas in my 2014 Hemi RAM; even considering engine management is much more sophisticated still compared to 100% gasoline; it does not run as smooth, it is more sluggish and gets worse mileage.
This is the most glaring issue in my opinion. Corn is a poor choice if you want to produce Ethanol.
Other types of grasses (switchgrass) are a much better choice and WOULD NOT impact the economy by causing food prices to spike. How much better? Considering the return on energy used to produce and process the grass it is 540% return as compared to 25% return for corn. (info from Scientific American) So why are they not sourcing these grasses instead of corn? This is not hard to figure out. It is about political power. Some politicians purchased the farm vote with this scheme they remain in power.
You want to give the U.S of A. a real economic boost? END the farm subsidies for Ethanol.
Probably will never happen. You will not ever see Washington let go of political power.
Well said although we have many naysayers claiming everything will be just fine and others saying we need to tone down our expectations.
 

fireflymedic

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There is no doubt the whole Ethanol+gasoline thing is nothing but a scam and it has HURT our economy. When the government started PAYING farmers (subsidies) to truck their corn crop to the ethanol plant rather than producing food stuffs; the prices of grocery store jumped sharply. Live stock and poultry production rely on corn. Also corn and corn based products go into a lot of the food we eat. It caused everything to get more expensive. Does anyone remember the rioting in Mexico because the prices of corn tortillas went way up?

REGARDLESS of what most people claim personally my experience running Ethanol+Gas fuels is I got worse mileage and worse performance. One of the best vehicles we ever owned was a '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L It ran like new on 100% gas; smooth as silk. But on Ethanol+gas it pinged, got worse mileage, and performance was sluggish. I wasn't going to crack it open to investigate since it had nearly 200K on it. The fact is Ethanol in any amount is a poor fuel in an engine designed for gasoline. When the last gas station that was near the house went to Ethanol gas, we put it up for sale. Fast forward to now. If I fill up on ethanol gas in my 2014 Hemi RAM; even considering engine management is much more sophisticated still compared to 100% gasoline; it does not run as smooth, it is more sluggish and gets worse mileage.
This is the most glaring issue in my opinion. Corn is a poor choice if you want to produce Ethanol.
Other types of grasses (switchgrass) are a much better choice and WOULD NOT impact the economy by causing food prices to spike. How much better? Considering the return on energy used to produce and process the grass it is 540% return as compared to 25% return for corn. (info from Scientific American) So why are they not sourcing these grasses instead of corn? This is not hard to figure out. It is about political power. Some politicians purchased the farm vote with this scheme they remain in power.
You want to give the U.S of A. a real economic boost? END the farm subsidies for Ethanol.
Probably will never happen. You will not ever see Washington let go of political power.
I looked into making my own ethanol, as I have 2 vehicles that are flex fuel capable, and through my research I found cat tails (practically a weed) of all things made some of the best returns for alcohol that and day old donuts. In the end it seemed like to much effort. you had to get it to 90% or it would separate from the gas. So you had to run it 3 times through the still or use some kind of water absorbing matteral. So I gave up on the idea.
 

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Speaking of water, our ATV group once got some real bad ethanol gas in Pennsylvania. Some of the machines ran poorly or stalled easily, and restarting was problematic. When I got home I pumped out the tank on my machine and while doing so I took a half of cup of the stuff and tried to light it. It wouldn't!

Had a problem with my chainsaw as well. For that I had to strip the carburetor, clean and reassemble.

So now for anything that isn't a car or truck I use non-ethanol fuel only.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 68323 miles
 

pacofortacos

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Tried a half tank of the 88 octane on the wife's car tonight, let's see what it does as far as performance or mpg.
She consistently get 28.9-29.2 mpg driving to/from work.

Side note, I put some Redline in the Mazda 3 DI and drove it for the first time tonight - engine seems really quiet, much quieter than normal - or my hearing has decreased, maybe my ears need cleaned !
 

Fatbob Frank

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Speaking of water, our ATV group once got some real bad ethanol gas in Pennsylvania. Some of the machines ran poorly or stalled easily, and restarting was problematic. When I got home I pumped out the tank on my machine and while doing so I took a half of cup of the stuff and tried to light it. It wouldn't!

Had a problem with my chainsaw as well. For that I had to strip the carburetor, clean and reassemble.

So now for anything that isn't a car or truck I use non-ethanol fuel only.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 68323 miles
I don't run ethanol in my UTV, motorcycles, or lawn mower. Ever.
In fact I try to use 91oct in them all.
The Kwik Trip in my town doesn't even carry 91oct so I bought a 300 gallon gravity fed tank and get my cousin (who drives a fuel truck) to fill it up about once a year...
 

mcarey

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I don't run ethanol in my UTV, motorcycles, or lawn mower. Ever.
In fact I try to use 91oct in them all.
The Kwik Trip in my town doesn't even carry 91oct so I bought a 300 gallon gravity fed tank and get my cousin (who drives a fuel truck) to fill it up about once a year...
I don't think it's ever been recommended to run ethanol in small engines.
 

Dr. Righteous

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Speaking of water, our ATV group once got some real bad ethanol gas in Pennsylvania. Some of the machines ran poorly or stalled easily, and restarting was problematic. When I got home I pumped out the tank on my machine and while doing so I took a half of cup of the stuff and tried to light it. It wouldn't!

Had a problem with my chainsaw as well. For that I had to strip the carburetor, clean and reassemble.

So now for anything that isn't a car or truck I use non-ethanol fuel only.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 68323 miles
Yeah, Ethanol gas is murder on anything with a carburetor. Not only the harm it does to rubber hoses and seals but the effect it has on varnish in the fuel system. Ethanol will dissolve varnish. There is always some amount in fuel tanks especially on older vehicles. Where does that dissolved varnish go? Straight to your fuel pump and then into your carb. IT will clog the jets and air bleeds in the carb and cause it to run like crap.
 

mtwofeathers

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There is no doubt the whole Ethanol+gasoline thing is nothing but a scam and it has HURT our economy. When the government started PAYING farmers (subsidies) to truck their corn crop to the ethanol plant rather than producing food stuffs; the prices of grocery store jumped sharply. Live stock and poultry production rely on corn. Also corn and corn based products go into a lot of the food we eat. It caused everything to get more expensive. Does anyone remember the rioting in Mexico because the prices of corn tortillas went way up?

REGARDLESS of what most people claim personally my experience running Ethanol+Gas fuels is I got worse mileage and worse performance. One of the best vehicles we ever owned was a '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L It ran like new on 100% gas; smooth as silk. But on Ethanol+gas it pinged, got worse mileage, and performance was sluggish. I wasn't going to crack it open to investigate since it had nearly 200K on it. The fact is Ethanol in any amount is a poor fuel in an engine designed for gasoline. When the last gas station that was near the house went to Ethanol gas, we put it up for sale. Fast forward to now. If I fill up on ethanol gas in my 2014 Hemi RAM; even considering engine management is much more sophisticated still compared to 100% gasoline; it does not run as smooth, it is more sluggish and gets worse mileage.
This is the most glaring issue in my opinion. Corn is a poor choice if you want to produce Ethanol.
Other types of grasses (switchgrass) are a much better choice and WOULD NOT impact the economy by causing food prices to spike. How much better? Considering the return on energy used to produce and process the grass it is 540% return as compared to 25% return for corn. (info from Scientific American) So why are they not sourcing these grasses instead of corn? This is not hard to figure out. It is about political power. Some politicians purchased the farm vote with this scheme they remain in power.
You want to give the U.S of A. a real economic boost? END the farm subsidies for Ethanol.
Probably will never happen. You will not ever see Washington let go of political power.
Did some forget that Mexico has scrapped a decades-old subsidy on tortillas, the thin corn pancakes that are the mainstay of the country's diet. The government also abolished the longtime price control on tortillas, which Mexicans eat more than bread.

Mexico currently imports 16 million tonnes of corn ($2.7bn annually) each year from the US – mostly yellow corn for livestock and industrial purposes. White corn for human consumption is grown domestically in Mexico.
Not to mention,not long ago Mexico banned the import of GMO corn. , majority of all corn except for a very few growers is GMO corn.
It is true about alcohol. But it wasn't the reason Mexico prices went up
 

SmileyBrooks

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I looked into making my own ethanol, as I have 2 vehicles that are flex fuel capable, and through my research I found cat tails (practically a weed) of all things made some of the best returns for alcohol that and day old donuts. In the end it seemed like to much effort. you had to get it to 90% or it would separate from the gas. So you had to run it 3 times through the still or use some kind of water absorbing matteral. So I gave up on the idea.
I did the same with Jerusalem Artichokes. Some of the worst tasting ‘shine ever. ;)
 
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