Right now i use Shells V-power (93 oct) and it has the 10% ethanol, today i found out a gas station up the road from my house sells "Ethanol Free" gas. The question is should i keep useing the 10% ethanol gas, or would the gas that has no ethanol be better for a older car (94, XJ40) ? Thanks again!

Best Regards,
Michael

 

MIke, the 10%N ethanol gas has the same general characteristics as ethanol free gas. What you may notice is that you will see a slight mileage increase from ethanol free gas (ethanol doesn't have quite the energy per pound as straight gasoline). Therefore, more ethanol is required than gasoline to make the same power.

The benefit to ethanol based gasoline is that the ethanol burns hotter, therefore leading to fewer emissions as compared to ethanol free gas.

The ethanol is slightly acidic, so, you may notice that some components in the fuel system will wear out faster with ethanol based fuels.

 

This topic gets thrashed on a regular basis. Very few drivers will note any difference when comparing one fuel to the other as the loss of power and mileage is usually too small to be measurable, in the area of 5-6HP and maybe 1 mpg. Most cars built in the last 20 years or so have ethanol compatible materials so the slight risk of premature corrosion has been eliminated.

E10 makes no sense from a technical or economic point of view, but makes for good politics. Use which ever fuel makes you happy.

 

Extract from my XFR handbook....10% is OK on this engine but not higher.

This vehicle is not suitable for use with
fuels containing more than 10%
ethanol.
Do not use E85 fuels (85% ethanol
content). Equipment necessary for the
use of fuels containing more than 10%
ethanol is not fitted to this vehicle. If
E85 fuels are used, serious engine and
fuel system damage will occur.
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol (grain
alcohol) may be used. Ensure that the fuel has
octane ratings no lower than those
recommended for unleaded fuel. Most drivers
will not notice any operating difference with
fuel containing ethanol. If a difference is
detected, the use of conventional unleaded fuel
should be resumed.

 

Sorry for the REALLY late reply guys, i did try the ethanol free gas and did notice the gas mileage was a little better then with the 10%E. I also found this helpful website if anyone here wanted to try to find a station that sells the ethanol free gas. Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada I think i payed $4.67 a gallon, in Florida.

 

I commute to Texas a couple of times per month. Sometimes I use my wifes mini-van. I refuel at the same place every time. The gas station I use offers with and without ethanol. I drive the same route everytime to the same destination. When Ive used 10% ethanol, I usually coast in on fumes or have to refuel. When I use no ethanol, I usually have just under 1/4 tank when I pull into the driveway. I usually dont save more than $4 or $5. I have learned to avoid ethanol.