Joined: Sun Oct 02 2011, 07:35AM
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 395
I guess the overall solution is to be sure to use fuel additive and drive the car as much as possible. I've been using additive for a good while now both in fuel and oil and I drive my car everyday unless the roads are snowy/salty.
Joined: Thu Mar 22 2007, 08:13AM
Location: In the workshop
Posts: 1063
I've just been looking at some Chemical Compatibility Charts. For those that aren't aware, these grade the effects that chemicals have on various materials. The scale is usually A, B, C, D. Where A is best, and D is severe effect, therefore should not be used. The charts are based on practical tests by experts in the field, not online experts. No offence inferred by that comment.
With common gasket materials such as Natural Rubber, Synthetic Rubber, and Viton, ethanol scores A. Unleaded gas however scores A with Viton, D with Natural Rubber, and B with synthetic rubber.
So, if the gasket is deteriorating, then its more likely to be Unleaded Gas thats causing the problem, not Ethanol.
One thing that many are not aware of is that E10 has been available in some parts of the Us since the 1930's. I may be able to post evidence to confirm that if desired.