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Costco gas correction
Yahoo Message Number: 156282
Earlier I had posted that Costco (in Minnesota) sells ethanol free gasoline. (Their pumps do not contain the popular "May contain up to 10% ethanol label"). I was filling up the toad today and asked the attendant just to be sure and he corrected me that all gasoline sold in the U.S. must contain at least 10% ethanol , including premium. Now I'm really confused as I am sure I bought gas at stations on our recent trip to Yellowstone that advertised that their Premium (92 Octane) did not contain ethanol.
 Nonetheless, I filled Bessie up with premium and 8 ounces of Stabil before placing her in hibernation for the winter. I know this girl, she'll start right up in May, guaranteed.

Todd '99 RB and '02 Honda CRV
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Costco gas correction
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156284
Todd, the pump jockey's statement that "all gasoline sold in the U.S. must contain at least 10% ethanol" is inaccurate. *Most* gasoline sold in the U.S. does contain ethanol, but the ethanol content does not *exceed* 10%; the ethanol content may vary between station fills, i.e., one load might be 5.7% ethanol, another load more.) There are sources of ethanol-free gas, but they're very limited; check the "Pure Gas" website for locations. Ethanol content requirements vary by state (and/or by region and season.) These links may help explain:

http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=27&t=10

http://www.fuel-testers.com/state_guide_ethanol_laws.html

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Another Gaseous Opinion...Re: [LD] Costco gas correction
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156299
Hi ...contact your local small engine repair shop, they know ethanol problems...they normally can refer you to independent small gas dealers, off Main Street & almost never a name brand who serve ethanol free gas, it continues to be a struggle for them to maintain supply...will not expose truth as it may be considered PC incorrect here.

...Costco folks are "mainstream-ingly" correct, most all major brands serve up ethanol blends,  "flex fuel" was the buzz name/PC correct vernacular when I retired from Fed govmit a couple years ago...we were well versed in PC speak for sustainability...not political, just the facts as they exhaust.
...same small shops can advise you regards better winterizing additives than the red stabil stuff...most independent small town auto shops & parts store can provide great advise for best mgt additives...even Walmart sells better additives like Lucas, better than stabil stuff.

...since I only use ethanol free gas in all my small engines, never a problem firing up my small engines year after year...previously with ethanol blended gas, nightmares & big bucks at small engine shops plus waiting weeks on the repair list!

...in any case, I pray that I helped, not appearing to pontificate.
Re: Costco gas correction
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156316
I thought using higher octane than what the engine called for, was a bad thing to do.

The octane rating refers to the ability to suppress ignition of the fuel at lower temperatures and compressions typical in normal  performance engines.  High compression engines require the fuel not ignite until the piston is in the right position.  Increased octane suppresses the point of ignition until the higher compression and temp is reached.   Using high octane fuel in a vehicle calling for 87 usually results in poor performance, poor starting and reduced mileage.

Getting a performance boost by using premium fuel in a low compression engine, is an urban myth. In fact the opposite is more likely to occur.

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: Costco gas correction
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156327
I couldn't agree more on the myth that high octane fuel gives you more power or mileage.
Unless the motor is supercharged or turbo charged or has extreme compression it is a waste of money, especially with modern combustion chamber designs.

My 1967 BSA Spitfire has 10.5 compression and a Hemi Head design. It will detonate on anything less than 98 octane fuel. So I go to the local airport and buy 110 leaded high octane. 100 low lead works too with a little Castrol oil mixed in.

One of my neighbors used to insist he got more power from high octane fuel in his car. It was an AMC Pacer. That says something.

Long live the British Twins. When the electric cars become mainstream we will keep the oil industry alive because of our oil leaks.

bobmoore14