E15 in gas Starting in May

[ArthurKotb]

The EPA has approved E15 to be sold instead of E10 starting May 1 until May 20 and may be extended longer. Interesting article
As E15 Gas Becomes More Common, Remember That It'''s Terrible For These Engines

I'll have to hunt for a station that sells ethanol free or at least only 10%. I'm confused if this means that 10% won't be available but the "contains up to 10% ethanol" stickers on the pumps seem to have disappeared from the stations I use. I think they're getting ready to fill the tanks with E15, not good for my Gen4 2004.

 

[rdruss]

More nonsense in a crazy world!

 

[Cezar]

Looks like if you have access to Rec.90 you can add 50% of the E15 volume to get back to E10.

So if you have an empty tank, add 12 gallons, then switch pumps to Rec. 90 and add another 6 to achieve E10. Two more gallons to hit full full will drop it slightly below E10, not a bad thing.

 

[AuSeeker]

It's bad enough that they're increasing it to E15 but it also raises the octane to 88, so I'm sure they will charge more per gallon because of the higher octane rating!!

 

[SurferUK]

We have eco loons on this side of the pond, fortunately they stick to being EVangelists, rather than further adulterating the amber nectar. (For now - they got E10 pushed through)

 

[ArthurKotb]

Looks like if you have access to Rec.90 you can add 50% of the E15 volume to get back to E10.

So if you have an empty tank, add 12 gallons, then switch pumps to Rec. 90 and add another 6 to achieve E10. Two more gallons to hit full full will drop it slightly below E10, not a bad thing.

REC 90 (90 octane ethanol free) is hard to find here. The closest regular supply is the Buc-ees super gas station, 28 miles south. It's not a bad drive and on the way back from a lake I frequent. I need E-10 or better for my outboard anyway. I stopped there today and they already have separate pumps for the different levels of ethanol. At least their pumps are labeled for that level. I will probably use portable gas cans to get the REC 90 for the Sienna and mix it at the pump.

Thanks for the idea. I hope it doesn't last

 

[ArthurKotb]

It's bad enough that they're increasing it to E15 but it also raises the octane to 88, so I'm sure they will charge more per gallon because of the higher octane rating!!

It is a slight boost in octane but E15 isn't as dense as E10 so mileage will drop 1-3% I've read. I'm more concerned about engine and fuel line damage anyway.

According to Consumer Reports
Can Using Gas With 15 Percent Ethanol Damage Your Car? - Consumer Reports

"The EPA says E15 can be used in flexible-fuel vehicles, as well as 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty SUVs. Don’t use E15 in motorcycles or other small engines, heavy-duty trucks, or non-road vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles"

But it also says to consult your owners manual for the maximum amount of ethanol your car can withstand without damage.

I personally maintain all of my vehicles as best as I can so they're old. Boat engine is 1995, Sienna is 1999 and the 4Runner is 2004. I also have an old lawnmower. I'll probably make some fuel runs to Buc-ees where they have a large selection of fuels. I'll have to buy more gas cans (I gave away 5 and 6 gallon cans; rats.)

 

[fourwd1]

This should be interesting to everyone, so I'm moving it to General Discussion.

 

[Three dogs]

We have one old school station in town that is owned by a friend of mine, no ethanol at all in his place. I haven't spoken to him about the new mandate but I'll see him in a few days and will ask.

 

[MartennSie]

Is it enough?

 

[Runnin on E]

That Consumers Report is BS. Here is a quote " you could be causing damage to your car’s engine, because that fuel is detonating too early in the cylinder. " MY Toyota has a very sophisticated EFI that has anti-knock control. Complete crap......