[Healeys] Cross Country & Ethanol

[Bob Brown]

We've had 10% ethanol in all blends of petrol for a long time. I've had no
problems with any fuel line, pump, etc on my BT7.  It does run hot but it has
always done it evenafter a rebuild and 4 core radiator. 


I believe folks
that complain about 10% ethanol just have nothing better to do.


Bob
BT7 MKII
AN5 



________________________________


I'm not a fan of ethanol-blended
gas--I think it's a scam for the corn 
lobby--but, honestly I can't find fault
with the blended gas (at least at 10%). 
Yes, I know ethanol is corrosive and
absorbs water, but I've had no problems 
with either of our Healeys whatsoever
(both our tanks were lined with Bill 
Hirsch gas tank sealer, FWIW). I have
noticed a bit of a stumble when first 
starting after a shutdown in hot
weather, which I attribute to mild vapor lock 
and may well be due to the
ethanol (but I can't prove it). 


We've tracked mileage for the 16 years
we've been taking extended trips in my 
BJ8, and it hasn't varied: 23mpg @
60mph (flat terrain), 19mpg @ high-speed or 
mountainous terrain, 17mpg in
stop-and-go city traffic. 


Bob 




----- Original Message -----


After a
week in AZ, a week at conclave, 10 days touring CO & NM, and now 
heading home
to MA, it's amazing how well the Healey (BJ8) runs on Ethanol 
Free gas when
we can find it. 

A noticeable (huge) difference especially when we have to
fill up with 10%+ 
ethanol. Going to make a bigger effort to search it out
when at home, It's 
worth it! 

Randy Hicks 
In Missouri now. 

What
difference did you notice--besides probably slightly lower mileage with the
ethanol blend--assuming same octane ratings? Is your car harder to start with
ethanol blend? Does it idle/run rougher? Is power output down (you'd probably
have to put it on a dyno to get an objective rating)? 


......