Routy wrote on 05/17/11 at 05:27:19:


..and you're not going to get solid hardcore evidence outside of a controlled experiment.  For example, someone would have to take two brand new carbs and soak one in gasohol and one in pure gas, side by side.

Otherwise people can just point to other variables as a possible cause of any difference in deterioration... brand of gas, humidity, average sit-time, additives, temperature, etc. and then your discussion is about as valid as an oil war.    

At least you can be fairly certain of ethanol's short-term effects, like reduced mileage.  A guy tells you he's getting 15 fewer miles out of a tank of gasohol vs. gasoline under very similar conditions.. that's pretty solid.  Unfortunately your question is a lot harder to answer, due to the long timeframe and other variables creeping in.

I see you have the 9-2 experimental carb bowl. Those were made to take the gasohol and still look good.   Seriously, I'm glad you aren't having trouble. I hope mine looks good when I next take it off. It had sticky dark varnish in it, but the previous owner didn't take good care of it according to the mollasses I drained when I changed the oil. I am told there are about 17 different gas mixes or "blends" in the US. Either you're lucky or we may need to figure what gas you use. Again, this has not been the experience of most of this forum.  But I believe you. I always believed you; I just wanted to convince you that it is a widespread problem. I do see a couple of places where corrosion may be starting. They look like pinheads. Can you feel them or is that just casting imperfections? Happy riding. Boofer

I hate to do this, but just today WTVA television in Tupelo, Ms had a report on the news show about the use of Ethanol gasoline in tillers, chainsaws, weedeaters and mowers. They interviewed an owner of a small engine shop. He used the words "Phase Seperation" several times and reported that a full 40% of his business is because of ethanol used in small engines. This is a man who sees the problem on a daily basis. He also said that Ethanol gas can go bad in as little as three weeks. I read a couple of articles on Phase Seperation from researchers on the internet. One admitted that high amounts of water induced into 4 stroke engines could cause the engines to quit, but saw no problem with that as it didn't hurt the engine. Anyone who is a researcher and makes a claim like that has lost me. They also said that it would harm 2-stroke engines due to lack of lubrication and recommended additives. Enough Sta-bil to treat 20 gallons will cost at least $6 Here in Ms that's $74 for gas and $6 for additives.  4 tanks of gas with Sta-Bil will cost an extra $24/ month for me, as I use about 20 gallons/wk in my wifes car. All I can tell you is to research Phase Seperation and ask other people. I'm done.  

Article on gasahol in this issue
http://books.google.com/books?id=OdQDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&lr=&rview=1...

Was at the parts counter yesterday and a chap was replacing a clear fuel line that had hardened. It was hardened because of alcohol in the gas. I used to use the same stuff on my model aircraft, and it would harden fairly quickly. I switched to silicone fuel lines and they lasted longer, but would turn punky after a while.
I would not be surprised if alcohol were responsible for some of the problems we have been having with our petcocks and gas cap gaskets hardening.

I noticed a 3% decease in mpg in my car since I can only get the 10% stuff just this last year.

Okay.  I live in a midwestern state that produces ethanol and was one of the areas that heavily promoted 10% ethanol blends in the early 80s.  I've used these blends my early carb cars, lawnmowers, 2 cycle snowblowers, my old Ninja 250 and have yet to have a problem.  I am diligent in my oil changes and keep up my maintenance.  There may be a carb that can't deal with a 10% ethanol blend, but having sampled Ford, Honda, Pontiac, Triumph (car, not bike), Toro, and Kawasakil, I haven't seen it.  Now its possible that a Mikuni is more sensitive than the Keihlins on my old Ninja, but I will have to see it to believe it.  I know it doesn't destroy aluminum, steel, or brass and there may be a gasket or seal material that can't deal with it, but you would think that it would be resolved by now.  Even allowing for 15 year old bikes, in general, our bikes were manufactured at least 15 years after the introduction of 10% ethanol blends.