Using ethanol free in a PCM engine that has always had regular 10% ethanol used

[shag]

Just want to see what opinions are regarding the subject. I am purchasing a 2008 230 with about 900 hrs, that hasn't had ethanol free used in it. I am leaning towards using ethanol free since it is more readily available in our area. I had heard awhile back that there may be some issues doing this, as the ethanol free (real gas) may cause issues in the fuel system due to the ill effects of long used ethanol gas. Any input?

[NautiqueJeff]

I haven't heard this. I ran ethanol-free in my 1998 Ski Nautique (like I do in all of my boats and small engines) before I started the restoration with no issues. I am sure it had been run on regular E10 for many years prior to my ownership.

[swankster]

Be thankful you can get it.

[shag]

The issue I heard had something to do with the ethanol free fuel (since its pure gasoline) would tend to act like a solvent, loosening any deposits caused by the prior ethanol use, and thus causing those deposits to get to the fuel pump of injectors... Jeff, is there a PCM contact through the forum that m might be able to comment? Again, it makes a little sense, just wanted to hear what others experience was.. And yes I am glad to have it more readily available. Most Wawa's here have it and it's about .50/gal additional over the lowest grade ethanol gas.

[MLA]

To start with, that 08 would have been made with ethanol tolerant fuel system component, so no ill effects there. Actually, the ethanol blended fuel is more of a solvent then 100% gas. No withdrawal symptoms, so go ahead and switch cold turkey.

[rcazwillis]

X2, no issue going to 100% gas. The other way is the issue.

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[vvfdfirefighter]

To start with, that 08 would have been made with ethanol tolerant fuel system component, so no ill effects there. Actually, the ethanol blended fuel is more of a solvent then 100% gas. No withdrawal symptoms, so go ahead and switch cold turkey.

As others have said, there is no issue with going ethanol free, well except maybe price. Its much more expensive. Boats made earlier than the mid/late 90's may have a problem with ethanol. Most fuel hoses made after 1984 and marked with SAE J1527 are designed to withstand ethanol but weren't really completely installed into boats until the mid 90's. Running ethanol in a boat without the SAE J1527 Fuel lines will cause the hoses to break down from the inside out. They appear to look good on the outside, but on the inside the lines are rotted away by the Ethanol. This is what causes fuel leaks, gasket breakdown, and carburetor/injector clogs.