So, this gas station near me has started selling ethanol free gasoline. It's about 60 cents more expensive than regular. Is it worth it from a standpoint of being "easier" on the engine. I understand it will yield slightly better fuel economy too. This is of course for cars that run on regular, not premium.

 

I know that for motorcycles with plastic tanks, ethanol can cause the tank to expand and bubble, making it impossible to fit back if you need to take the tank off for basic maintenance and repair.

I believe that the science behind it is that if water humidity mixes with ethanol, there is a chemical reaction that expands the air around it, affecting the gas tank, fuel lines, as well as engine combustion.

 

oh I'd probably pay for the E-free stuff every other tank or so....don't know if it's WORTH IT but it would sure make me feel better (as long as the station is being truthful about it being ethanol free!)

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...r%20your%20car

 

In some places n the U.S., including mine (D.C. suburbs) it is not possible to get ethanol-free gas because of EPA regulations. Having said that, for cars designed for E10 (10% alcohol) which you find at many pumps, I don't think 60 cents a gallon is worth the small extra mileage you would get. In the case where PhilipMSPT describes with plastic motorcycle tanks, maybe it is worth it.

 

Every car sold in the U.S. is required to take E10. There is no advantage to ethanol free gas in regards to the "health" of your vehicle, except for the station owner who can make a lot of money off of it.

Now, for 1 specific tank of ethanol free gas, you will likely get better fuel economy due to the greater energy density. Certainly not $0.60/gallon's worth of extra mileage, though. If we're talking about fuel use for track use, well, it'd be better to get real 100 octane at a track.

E10 does have advantages. Ethanol is a quite a good solvent. As PhillipMSPT says, it will dissolve plastic. In a fuel system designed to use it, it works to keep the fuel system clean.

 

When I had my LS400, I dreamed of the better mpg, but couldn't justify the extra $$ per gallon.

my Fusion is E85 capable, so I don't give it much thought. Plus there's only a couple of stations in the Las Vegas valley that offer it. Not going to drive several miles for fuel.

 

from another thread...here's a site that lists ethanol-free gas stations on Google Maps ....

http://pure-gas.org/