Hey Gump, I agree with the use of Sta-bil and/or Sea Foam. The problem with ethanol is not so much as the properties of the fuel deterioating as it the ethanol damaging the rubber hoses, gaskets etc. (hence the gooey blue liquid)

I don't think I would store a boat for the winter with a tank full of ethanol enhanced fuel....

 

Well what is that exactly? Grain alcohol made from corn?

 

What is what? Ethanol or methanol?

 

Ethanal. I've ALWAYS been curious about what the heck it was.

 

Click below:

http://journeytoforever.org/ethanol.html

 

I am patting myself on the back right now because it's exactly what I thought it was. Thanks

 

I've read that due to the prevalence of ethanol in fuel these days, that rubber is no longer used for these parts. Synthetics have replaced rubber and are resistant to ethanol. I think that's been true for at least ten years.

I also believe that if you buy brand name replacement hoses etc. you will get ethanol resistant materials.

I can't think of a single internal part on even a 20 year old engine that would actually be real rubber. Even crankshaft main seals are supposedly synthetics. It may be that they have been since far before that. After all, even tire's haven't been made from rubber since before WWII but I don't know the exact decade.

Don't take my word for it...

 

Straight from the HD manual---"Do not use gasolines that contain methanol. Doing so can result in fuel system component failure, engine damage and/or equipment malfunction."

I stopped at the local Sunoco today and re-read the sticker on the pump--"Contains 10% Methanol"

Take it for what it's worth.

 

Here in Atlanta, I've had no choice but to run 87. Runs fine, just not enough oomph.

 

Yes, that is correct. DO NOT use Methanol!

Are you 100% sure of this? Are you sure it doesn't say Ethanol?
Can you please take a picture of this sign, because I have never see any pump gas contain Methanol. It is Ethanol they use.

NOTE: Be sure and read my next post. Very possible ezriderpgh is correct in the Methanol availability.