[Healeys] gas/alcohol

[Mirek Sharp]

Guys, first, its ethanol that is being added, not alcohol.  I am no chemist, but I am sure they are different.  Here in Ontario, Shell did not add ethanol to their premium up to last October, now they do and I imagine that is nation-wide.  They "got away" with this because of the way the ethanol content is, or at least was, measured.  I understand (i.e., not 100% positive) it was an average across total sales.  So they could add a bit more in regular grades and not add it to premium.  It was something like that anyhow.  It was a corporate decision to start adding it to premium, not a change in government mandate.  It is a real mess in my opinion as the ethanol can in time, with the addition of moisture in the storage tank (e.g., condensation) separate from the gas.  Its called "phase separation" (google it).  The ethanol can combine with the water molecules and being heavier sinks to the bottom of the storage tank, where of course the pump pick-up is located.  So although the tanker may put fuel in which has only up to 10% ethanol, what comes out the nozzle could be different.  That all said, I have not noticed any problem with my BT7.  I think the most you would have to do is adjust your timing as the ethanol has a slower burn rate than gas.  It is a totally different issue with my air-cooled classic bikes.  The gas in those helps (minimally) with cooling and we generally run them a little richer than optimum.  But it really creates timing issues when you have a high dome piston and the plug to one side - its a relatively long way over the dome and the slower burn rate creates timing issues.  BTW, I've been told that avgas has a different formula and is not necessary a good alternative, and is certainly inconvenient.  Some speed shops cell good gas, but again, super inconvenient, and as I noted, I don't think it is an issue with a Healey.  There are several apps that tell you the nearest ethanol free gas - just google it.  There are also additives that claim to neutralize the ethanol.  I'll be experimenting with these in the bikes.

Sent from my alternative

> On Sep 2, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Engl <engl at accesscomm.ca> wrote:
> 
> I thought that all our gas had to have the corn filler (alcohol) already, but that’s maybe not the case yet.  I found a Shell station in Saskatoon that had a “contains alcohol” on silver and bronze at the pump, but no label on their premium gas - checked other pumps and it was the same I was hoping their premium did not contain alcohol, but the signs used to say “ contains no alcohol” on premium. 
> 
> A Shell in Regina had just a general note on the pump that said “ may contain alcohol”, so dunno. 
> 
> Didn’t there used to be an app??
> 
> Bob England
> 
>>> On Sep 2, 2024, at 8:56 AM, carl and gerry rubino via Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>  A message from Canada. For the last 30 years I have been running my 100/6 on 93 gas with no alcohol.
>> In its infinite wisdom our government is going to legislate alcohol in all grades of gas.
>> Other than stealing gas from an airport any recommendations to deal with this?
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