Ethanol fuel

1. Replace the gas in your fuel tank at least every 2-3 weeks.

The shelf life of E-10 gas is only 3 months (90-100 days) under ideal environmental conditions.

2. Know the specific fuel laws for your state.

Many states still do not require the labeling of E10 gas at the pumps.

3. Prevent external water and moisture (high humidity) from coming in contact with E-10 gas.

4. Ethanol-blend fuels will lower MPG in most engines; Fuel efficiency can decrease by 2-40%.

Maintain your engine to provide the best possible fuel efficiency. (Inflate tires; keep tuned, oil changes, etc.).

5. Chose an octane level above 90, for an added level of security when purchasing E-10 gas,

If water contaminates (WC) your gas, the fuel will dilute and the octane level can drop up to 3 points.

6. Avoid all fuel additives and fuel system treatment products that contain ethanol or are alcohol-based,

7. Become familiar with symptoms and effects of “bad gas”, often caused by too high alcohol levels of gas.

Symptoms include varied engine malfunction including stalling, hesitation during WOT, smoke released from exhaust, clogged fuel filters and carburetors, damage to fuel and VRO pumps and pistons, disintegration and dissolving of engine parts (especially rubber and plastic), drying-out of parts (hoses), and more.

8. Save money – Contaminated gas can not be restored to the original composition.

No miracle product exists that will effectively prevent all water absorption or safely repair phase separation (PS) of gas.

9. Frequently check gasoline tank for signs of Water Contamination (WC) and Phase Separation (PS).

Two or three distinct layers will be seen after WC and PS occur.

10. Store E-10 gas in clean and dry alcohol-resistant tanks.

Fuel discoloration indicates gas contamination, often caused from the release (cleansing) of rust, dirt and sedimentfrom the gas tank walls.

11. Properly discard any fuel that appears to have gone bad.

12. Keep your engine well tuned and lubricated and follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule.
Replace parts that are not resistant to alcohol,

Plastic and rubber parts and hoses are most vulnerable. Fuel system and pumps, piston and carburetor and timing may need changes to be compatible.
Older engines often contain parts not designed to resist ethanol/alcohol.

13. Be aware that “private” gas pumps (EG. marine refilling stations) are not required to follow the same laws that pertain to public gas stations.

Check your State’s ETHANOL LABELING LAWS