[williamoss]

Any opinions on the use of Ethanol Free Gas in our 968's? Is it necessary? What harm is done to our engines using 10%-15% ethanol in premium gas?

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[rxter]

I've seen a few discussions here on ethanol in the gas. Try the search feature. My conclusion was that if you can avoid it do, but it won't kill the car. Most of us now cannot avoid ethanol in our fuel. I am routinely pumping the crap into my car and I imagine that the % will only increase. In fact, not to turn too far off topic, but eventually gasoline-powered cars are going to be obsolete, and $5 gas is not slowing that down. Every copy of Motortrend or Automobile that I pick up has a new electric car in it. Smoke 'em while you got 'em.

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[Cloud9...68]

Don't worry - gas is going to be around for A LONG time (laced as it may be with that ethanol crap). Hybrids and electrics are all the rage these days because they're technologically interesting, and they will have their place, but the sheer simplicity and relative economy of gas-powered cars will continue to make them attractive for a long time to come. I think the most likely scenario for the next hundred years or so is a wide mix of choices, from plain gas-powered, to full electric, and every permutation in between.

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[Chris Vais]

Those of us who live in California have had ethanol in our gas for the entire lifetime of our 968s. There is some talk that it might degrade certain components in the fuel system, but I've never experienced it. The biggest worry is that ethanol is hydroscopic which means that it will scavange water from the atmosphere, among other sources, that will end up in your fuel tank. Just don't run your fuel tank down to empty and pay attention to whom you buy your gas from and you should be OK.



Plug in electric cars have their place as intraurban transport, where no long distances are involved, and there are an abundance of electric sockets to plug them into. We still continue to produce electricity from fossil fuel cumbustion. Hybrids still rely on fossil fuel to either charge their batteries or help create the kinetic energy that is also used to recharge the batteries.



No other alternative energy source has the distribution network in place that gasoline and diesel have and aren't likely to achieve it any time soon. I like the idea of a hydrogen powered car, but the problems associated with the distribution and storage of hydrogen may well preclude a wide enough distribution to make it a vialble alternative to gasoline.



I am currently working on a green energy project that will produce a hydrocarbon fuel as an alternative to fossil fuel. The short story is that it uses green algae, advanced secondary treated municipal wastewater, CO2 from the wastewater treatment plants biological digesters, nitrogen from the NOX emmissions from the treatment plant incinerator, and sunlight to produce fresh water, oxygen, and a lipid rich biomass that can be processed into a fuel similar to a light distilate fuel such as diesel or jet fuel. The process works, the question is can it be commercialized at a price that people are willing to pay.



Wow! just read what I wrote am I off topic or what!!!

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[tamathumper]

I just want my G-D flying car. I was promised a flying car! It's already 2011 for cryin' out loud!

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[Monstrous4Banger]

Yes Chris, biodiesel is a viable alternative to petroleum based diesel. Lipids could be extracted from diatomic algae, in very high yields, and a compact space even. Rudolf Diesel intended for his engine to run on it initially. The kicker is the existing infrastructure could even be used. It amazes me how much of a corporatist nation we've become.

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[rxter]

Way off topic. However, while in Rome...



"lipid rich biomass" - that reminds me - it's Friday and the SO is in a very good mood.....

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[williamoss]

I found a source for Ethanol Free Gas. It is the Commercial Fueling Network or CFN. They have the stations for truck fueling where there are no attendants. Some of their stations have premium no ethanol gas in them. Better for trucks motor cycles, ski doo's etc. They have a network all around the country. My local Reps name is Gary at 503-471-4308 ext 308. Perhaps if you call him he can advise you if it is available in your area.

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[flash]

the problem with electric cars is the batteries and what they do to the environment - studies show that 95% of the population could use an electric car rather than a gas powered car, but what do you do about the damage in making the batteries, and then disposing of them?



biodiesel is a viable alternative, but the oil companies are not likely to allow their distribution network to be shared as long as they have the deals on oil



the hydrogen storage, transportation, and distribution problems have been worked out - there are now stations up and down california (though not many) - i got a chance to see this stuff in action at the lab where i did the CARB testing - very cool stuff - still not sure if the water vapor emission is a good idea or not though - i wonder if that much vapor might not change the atmosphere in a way we wouldn't like



back on topic - while i have read about it, i have seen no issues of damage or complication due to ethanol in gasoline - the power is down a bit on paper, but i can't feel it on anything

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[banditsc]

Well for those of us with a lawnmower or other small engine stuff the ethanol is noticed when the lines rot away. This site has a nationwide listing of stations with ethanol free gas.. http://pure-gas.org/

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[94SilverCab]

Exxon is an ENERGY company, they will sell what ever the prevailing fuel is at any given time.



They are not going to go out of business if biodiesel takes over in popularity, they'll sell it!!



Jay

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[flash]

yeah, but there is a lot involved in making such a change, and the numbers don't add up yet - once oil prices go high enough, maybe they'll look at it more closely - i find it surprising though, given the current tax incentives, that they haven't undertaken this more - i think it's going to come down to a pilot program for the consumer that allows them to go back and forth

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