The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Gas Types

I'm curious what types of gas people on here run and what types of additives are used.

I've found a lot of mixed opinions about running regular pump gas..
So what has worked for you? Low octane, high octane? Ethanol, no ethanol? Additives or no additives?

87. No additives

regular pump gas

Is there ethanol in the 87 where you live? We can't get straight has except for 91 in southeastern South Dakota.

Yes , not sure the percent. I think it depends on the time of year.

10% ethanol is common in NY. I have had no problems (in 12 years).

NC does not require labelling of ethanol content (a very consumer oriented state).

Winter blend vs summer blend is usually produced by varying the amount of butane. Still, maybe ethanol is also adjusted by season to keep evaporation low?

around here it's always 10% except e85 which is obviously 85%

This has turned out more unanimous than i thought it might be.

I use 87 octane with 10% ethanol. I have to change the accelerator pump diaphragm in my Carter carburetor about every three years. Other than that, all is well.
Carl

Just regular 87 octane.

I just run regular pump gas but, I have noticed both my barracuda and suburban don't like the winter gas near as well as the stuff they sell in the summer.

87 octane, 10% ethanol. No additives.

100%, 91 octane real gas, always! We're lucky in Oklahoma to be able to easily find the real stuff.

I am lucky to be able to buy non-ethanol 85, 87, and 89 octane. Ethanol is bad stuff for anything older, avoid it if you can.

Ethanol gunks up the old vintage carbs. I also do not like that it starts to deteriorate after 3 months and begins to smell bad, then go bad REAL quick after. If you have one of those edge trimmers for your lawn that you use only twice or three times a year, you can relate. No slam on ethanol because that is for modern cars, but bad for this vintage. Also, bad if you only drive your truck seasonally. IMHO.

So, for those who are confused on what to do. In the 1950s, they used Lead and it had the effect of added lubrication and allowed these engines to run longer. In addition, the timing and 'pinging' problem was better managed. If you are having problems, and ONLY if it bothers you.. go to any small airport and ask the FBO (the operator of the Airport) if you can get gas from them. Then choose 100 (octane) Low Lead. It is expensive, but if that is not your first concern, try it and see if it makes a difference. Here in Kansas, they do not exclude anyone from purchasing their gas. It's commonly referred to as AVGAS.

Controversy isn't the issue here. Your pinging, timing and understanding of the evolution of engines is. Focus on what is best for YOU. Let others whine about each opinion. IMHO

Anyone for discussing DOT5 vs DOT3 brake fluid? How about what Oil to use? LOL! Please nobody blow a gasket! I hear they are not in production anymore.

I have been using Sta-Bil gas treatment over the winter for over 10 years (in my lawn mowers and in my Suburban). The Suburban hibernates for about 5 months and starts right up in April/May (since 2004). I have had no carburetor problems in that time.

X2 on the Sta-bil but I also do not live in a harsh climate.
Luckily I can start my stuff up, even the mower, during the winter.....and a nice cruise/ride on a pretty day.

Sta-bil is on my shopping list. Definitely worth a try!

I just started my truck after sitting since late October and he fired right up.
It wasn't much of a winter this year but usually we have serious winter in this part of Canada.
For the last fill of the season I fill the tank with ethanol-free gas and pop in half a bottle of Sta-bil and drive home just part him and wait for spring.

Keep in mind, there are 2 different blends of Sta-Bil. You need to use the Sta-Bil for ethanol gas if that's what you're treating. The old 'regular' Sta-Bil doesn't work with ethanol.

"If you are storing a gasoline vehicle or piece of equipment for 30 days or longer, we recommend you continue to use STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer. It will keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months.

If you are looking for an additive that will help protect your vehicle or equipment from Ethanol-blended fuels, you should be using new STA-BIL® Ethanol Treatment more regularly to help further protect against corrosion, clean your fuel system, and remove water at every fill up."

Which old 'regular' Sta-Bil doesn't work with ethanol?

"DOES THE ORIGINAL STA-BIL® FUEL STABILIZER NO LONGER WORK WITH ETHANOL FUELS?

This is absolutely NOT true. STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is effective in storing gasoline for up to 12 months in ALL Ethanol blended fuels, up to E-85. It prevents gum and varnish formation/build-up caused by the breakdown of fuel and also helps prevent corrosion from moisture/humidity during storage. "

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/sta-bil-faqs

Good work! You've done some research that proves what I've been told is not accurate. Thanks for taking the time TC!!

Your posts had me worried, Daryl

You caused me to wonder if my use of Sta-Bil every winter was just a mindless practice/habit.

Thanks for making me look it up. It is hard to prove it is helping over the winter. It is possible that I would have no problems if I stopped using it?

By the way, I found it odd that only one product refers to ethanol on their Sta-Bil products-page.

I use 87octane pump gas, except for that last tank before winter storage. I run the tank as empty as I dare and go fill it up with non-ethanol premium. I do the same for the motorcycles, the chain saw and the wood chipper. The ethanol can create tiny balls when exposed to water in storage. The balls are small enough to plug up idle circuits in carburetors. This proved a real pain on my Gold Wing which takes about three days work to get to the carbs to clean them. Never again.

One can sometimes get non-alcohol fuel(80 octane) at your small, local airport.

Ed

I live in NOLA area and avoid ethanol gas if possible. Octane really depends on performance build on engine, my old custom Harley Shovelhead I use only premium. (and plan to do same when I finish building engine for my stovebolt.) Reason I avoid ethanol if possible is because I have personally seen how it attracts water causing problems in gas tanks and float bowls and NOT good for older rubber products. I read anything built prior to 2012 is NOT ethanol friendly.