Ethanol free

[puma guy]

I've thought about "making" my own ethanol free gas for my mower and Stihl multitool motor. It's not difficult to do, but some equipment would make it so simple. I'm sure some of our chemists here can confirm this. I'm considering getting a separatory funnel and stand to do this. Since ethanol attracts water all one needs to do is mix in a cup or more of water to a half gallon of E-10 or E15 gas, shake to mix well, then just let it sit for several hours. The heavier water/ethanol mix will settle to the bottom, while the nearly pure lighter gasoline will remain at the top. Then, in my plan, I would just let the water/ethanol mix out the bottom of the separatory funnel until only the gasoline remained. There would be an easily visible line of separation. The only thing holding me up at this time is what to do with the water/ethanol mixture. It is still flammable and I don't know how I would get rid of it yet.

Gasoline is a complex blend of many petroleum constituents, plus additives. I'd check the octane and other qualities before using it. Probably simpler to by ethanol free gas. I've read of using aviation gas mixed with regular, but that could be a tedious project with out access to a research and motor octane engine. Also, while I'm not a pilot, I believe the fuel air mixture for plane engines is different than mogas engines. Jets and turbo prop engine use Jet fuel (basically high quality kerosene) so don't confuse it with avgas for cylinder engines.

[mrvmax]

FYI the new Buc-ee's in Ennis has ethanol-free gas.

Thank you for the tip!

Bill, the Bucee's in League City and on I-45 both have ethanol free gasoline.

You can also buy it from Bay Oil Company in Dickinson. Bay will also take old fuel from you. If I’ve had fuel cans sitting around for over a year (I treat my ethanol free gas when filling my cans) I’ll empty them there before filling again and if I remember correctly their fuel is 93 octane. I use ethanol free in my lawn equipment, generator and atv

[oohrah]

It is illegal to use Avgas in motor vehicles that use public roadways because no road taxes have been paid. Also Avgas has lead in it (it is 100 octane) and would eventually destroy your catalytic converter.

[puma guy]

It is illegal to use Avgas in motor vehicles that use public roadways because no road taxes have been paid. Also Avgas has lead in it (it is 100 octane) and would eventually destroy your catalytic converter.

Thanks for reminding me about the TEL problem.

[PriestTheRunner]

It is illegal to use Avgas in motor vehicles that use public roadways because no road taxes have been paid. Also Avgas has lead in it (it is 100 octane) and would eventually destroy your catalytic converter.

Cant destroy the catalytic converter if you don't HAVE a catalytic converter.... Anymore.

My main interest is in small engines and a carbureted motorcycle. And the fact that the entire country gets a greater than 10% fuel in-efficiency for a 10% swap out to ethanol. It costs us billions every year and drives up the cost of meat, corn, feed corn and basically anything that rides on a truck.

Costing each citizen 10,000 to 20,000 a year is an estimate I've seen thrown around.

Source: https://www.delawareonline.com/story/ne ... /13534077/

[C-dub]

I've thought about "making" my own ethanol free gas for my mower and Stihl multitool motor. It's not difficult to do, but some equipment would make it so simple. I'm sure some of our chemists here can confirm this. I'm considering getting a separatory funnel and stand to do this. Since ethanol attracts water all one needs to do is mix in a cup or more of water to a half gallon of E-10 or E15 gas, shake to mix well, then just let it sit for several hours. The heavier water/ethanol mix will settle to the bottom, while the nearly pure lighter gasoline will remain at the top. Then, in my plan, I would just let the water/ethanol mix out the bottom of the separatory funnel until only the gasoline remained. There would be an easily visible line of separation. The only thing holding me up at this time is what to do with the water/ethanol mixture. It is still flammable and I don't know how I would get rid of it yet.

Gasoline is a complex blend of many petroleum constituents, plus additives. I'd check the octane and other qualities before using it. Probably simpler to by ethanol free gas. I've read of using aviation gas mixed with regular, but that could be a tedious project with out access to a research and motor octane engine. Also, while I'm not a pilot, I believe the fuel air mixture for plane engines is different than mogas engines. Jets and turbo prop engine use Jet fuel (basically high quality kerosene) so don't confuse it with avgas for cylinder engines.

It might be easier to buy ethanol free gas. Just a few years ago the closest place I could get some was at least 40 miles away. Now there’s a Buccees about 20 miles away.

For my plan I would need to use 93 octane and expect to end up with 87-88.

[puma guy]

I've thought about "making" my own ethanol free gas for my mower and Stihl multitool motor. It's not difficult to do, but some equipment would make it so simple. I'm sure some of our chemists here can confirm this. I'm considering getting a separatory funnel and stand to do this. Since ethanol attracts water all one needs to do is mix in a cup or more of water to a half gallon of E-10 or E15 gas, shake to mix well, then just let it sit for several hours. The heavier water/ethanol mix will settle to the bottom, while the nearly pure lighter gasoline will remain at the top. Then, in my plan, I would just let the water/ethanol mix out the bottom of the separatory funnel until only the gasoline remained. There would be an easily visible line of separation. The only thing holding me up at this time is what to do with the water/ethanol mixture. It is still flammable and I don't know how I would get rid of it yet.

Gasoline is a complex blend of many petroleum constituents, plus additives. I'd check the octane and other qualities before using it. Probably simpler to by ethanol free gas. I've read of using aviation gas mixed with regular, but that could be a tedious project with out access to a research and motor octane engine. Also, while I'm not a pilot, I believe the fuel air mixture for plane engines is different than mogas engines. Jets and turbo prop engine use Jet fuel (basically high quality kerosene) so don't confuse it with avgas for cylinder engines.

It might be easier to buy ethanol free gas. Just a few years ago the closest place I could get some was at least 40 miles away. Now there’s a Buccees about 20 miles away.

For my plan I would need to use 93 octane and expect to end up with 87-88.

It's strange. I did a search for ethanol free gasoline in DFW area. Very limited availability versus my are Houston. There are three Bucee's in the DTW area, but I don't think they're close to you. We have many of them nearby. Good luck in your endeavor.

[C-dub]

I've thought about "making" my own ethanol free gas for my mower and Stihl multitool motor. It's not difficult to do, but some equipment would make it so simple. I'm sure some of our chemists here can confirm this. I'm considering getting a separatory funnel and stand to do this. Since ethanol attracts water all one needs to do is mix in a cup or more of water to a half gallon of E-10 or E15 gas, shake to mix well, then just let it sit for several hours. The heavier water/ethanol mix will settle to the bottom, while the nearly pure lighter gasoline will remain at the top. Then, in my plan, I would just let the water/ethanol mix out the bottom of the separatory funnel until only the gasoline remained. There would be an easily visible line of separation. The only thing holding me up at this time is what to do with the water/ethanol mixture. It is still flammable and I don't know how I would get rid of it yet.

Gasoline is a complex blend of many petroleum constituents, plus additives. I'd check the octane and other qualities before using it. Probably simpler to by ethanol free gas. I've read of using aviation gas mixed with regular, but that could be a tedious project with out access to a research and motor octane engine. Also, while I'm not a pilot, I believe the fuel air mixture for plane engines is different than mogas engines. Jets and turbo prop engine use Jet fuel (basically high quality kerosene) so don't confuse it with avgas for cylinder engines.

It might be easier to buy ethanol free gas. Just a few years ago the closest place I could get some was at least 40 miles away. Now there’s a Buccees about 20 miles away.

For my plan I would need to use 93 octane and expect to end up with 87-88.

It's strange. I did a search for ethanol free gasoline in DFW area. Very limited availability versus my are Houston. There are three Bucee's in the DTW area, but I don't think they're close to you. We have many of them nearby. Good luck in your endeavor.

I do have the Pure Gas app on my phone. According to it the nearest ethanol free gas to me is just over 20 miles at the Buc-Ee's in Denton. I've used this app on a couple of trips on the bike and seen a couple mpg better. Since I can't use it on a regular basis so I'm not sure how much benefit I get from the rare tankful I can get.

In the long run, if I can figure out what to do with the water/ethanol extracted from the gasoline, it might benefit my lawn mower and Stihl more from regular use. For now, I try and only put in enough gas to get the job done then let it run dry if I won't be using them for a month or more.

[oohrah]

Might check on local Walmarts that have Murohy's stations. That's where I get mine.

[WildBill]

FYI the new Buc-ee's in Ennis has ethanol-free gas.

Thank you for the tip!

Bill, the Bucee's in League City and on I-45 both have ethanol free gasoline.

You can also buy it from Bay Oil Company in Dickinson. Bay will also take old fuel from you. If I’ve had fuel cans sitting around for over a year (I treat my ethanol free gas when filling my cans) I’ll empty them there before filling again and if I remember correctly their fuel is 93 octane. I use ethanol free in my lawn equipment, generator and atv

I drove over to the Bucee's in League City and they don't sell the ethanol free gasoline The closest station that carries it is on I-45 in Texas City, which isn't that much further,
but the road construction makes the traffic a nightmare. Anyway, I got a bag of ice for $1.07

[ShaddyVanDaddy]

Is it true that ethanol free gas is “way” better for long term storage?

[ShaddyVanDaddy]

Is it true that ethanol free gas is “way” better for long term storage?

Sorry, disregard. I see that this was addressed earlier in this thread... I goofed and somehow only saw the first page.

[C-dub]

Is it true that ethanol free gas is “way” better for long term storage?

I'm not a chemist chemist nor a very mechanical person. I believe that long term storage of gasoline is not good for any engine regardless of ethanol or not, but is worse with ethanol because of its attraction of water. IIRC, even ethanol free gasoline will turn to varnish or a varnish like substance after enough time. From m Goldwing forum friends, also IIRC, they use something called "seafoam" in their gas tanks for winter storage of their bikes when they won't be able to ride for several months. Since I ride year round with only a 2-3 week hiatus during the worst of weather in the "winter" here in Texas I didn't bother reading up on its use.

[ShaddyVanDaddy]

Is it true that ethanol free gas is “way” better for long term storage?

I'm not a chemist chemist nor a very mechanical person. I believe that long term storage of gasoline is not good for any engine regardless of ethanol or not, but is worse with ethanol because of its attraction of water. IIRC, even ethanol free gasoline will turn to varnish or a varnish like substance after enough time. From m Goldwing forum friends, also IIRC, they use something called "seafoam" in their gas tanks for winter storage of their bikes when they won't be able to ride for several months. Since I ride year round with only a 2-3 week hiatus during the worst of weather in the "winter" here in Texas I didn't bother reading up on its use.

That makes sense, and is helpful. Thank you.

[SQLGeek]

However, I am switching over to battery powered equipment for a lot of things like blowers and string trimmers.

Same here. I got a deal on a used Ego mower and it runs like a scalded cat. My Husqvarna trimmer will also be replaced by an Ego eventually. The mower has been great and battery compatibility between the tools is awesome.