Gas pumps and ethanol.

[ThatsABigOne]

When do gas stations start using winter blends for their fuel? In November? or that depends on the location?

 

[SithSolo1]

probably depends on both location and what chain the gas station is

 

[Eli]

After a little research, it seems that September 15th is the date I've seen the most, but some resources just give a general September-October time frame. So it probably depends on local weather conditions and such.

 

[Knavish]

What is the winter blend? Initially I thought: ethanol is harder to ignite at cold temps, so winter blend might have less ethanol! Unfortunately it looks like winter blend gives worse mileage than summer, so it must have some other crap in it instead of just having more "real" gas.

 

[sjwaste]

And we're still paying 3.50-4.00 a gallon. At those prices they should ditch the ethanol.

I'm not entirely convinced that refinery production isn't being manipulated to keep gas prices this high. We're about to hit another recession, unemployment is sky high, and prices are still 3+.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

What is the winter blend? Initially I thought: ethanol is harder to ignite at cold temps, so winter blend might have less ethanol! Unfortunately it looks like winter blend gives worse mileage than summer, so it must have some other crap in it instead of just having more "real" gas.

Yeap, winter blends generally have more ethanol. Some times it is 20% ethanol by volume, which is staggering.

And we're still paying 3.50-4.00 a gallon. At those prices they should ditch the ethanol.

I'm not entirely convinced that refinery production isn't being manipulated to keep gas prices this high. We're about to hit another recession, unemployment is sky high, and prices are still 3+.

Absolutely this.

 

[KentState]

And we're still paying 3.50-4.00 a gallon. At those prices they should ditch the ethanol.

I'm not entirely convinced that refinery production isn't being manipulated to keep gas prices this high. We're about to hit another recession, unemployment is sky high, and prices are still 3+.

Gas must be expensive where you are. I think premium wasn't even 3.50 when I filled up yesterday.

 

[Eli]

Yeap, winter blends generally have more ethanol. Some times it is 20% ethanol by volume, which is staggering.

That's not true at all. I don't think anywhere in the US has gasoline with over 10% ethanol in it.

The difference between winter and summer blend gasoline is the formulation. Summer gasoline has lower Reid Vapor Pressure(RVP), while winter blend gasoline has higher.

Interesting link, particularly some of the comments: http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2374

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Only I wish I would have taken a picture of last gas fillup way outside of Salt Lake City, and it said on the label "Gas may contain upto 15% of Ethanol by volume."

Eli, thanks for the link. I enjoyed reading it!

 

[LTC8K6]

Yes, they recently increased the allowed amount of ethanol from 10% to 15%. So those of you with older cars or small engines, had better pay attention.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Yes, they recently increased the allowed amount of ethanol from 10% to 15%. So those of you with older cars or small engines, had better pay attention.

Yeap, thats a problem for 1972 Jaguar XJ6. :\:thumbsdown:

 

[LTC8K6]

Heck, most recently built cars say they can only handle 10% ethanol, though I expect newer cars to handle 15% okay. I don't like having the risk forced on me, though.

15% ethanol will lower your mileage a little bit more as well.

Flexfuel vehicles are the only guarantee of handling 15% ethanol without any problems.

 

[Eli]

Oh damn, I wasn't aware of that.

Well that's pretty shitty. Maybe I'll start going out of my way to get 100% gasoline again...

 

[Jumpem]

I hate winter blend gas. It usually costs me 5-6mpg.

 

[sjwaste]

Oh damn, I wasn't aware of that.

Well that's pretty shitty. Maybe I'll start going out of my way to get 100% gasoline again...

How do you find it?

 

[LTC8K6]

I've seen stations advertising that their gasoline has no ethanol. It's usually a few cents more expensive.

 

[sjwaste]

I've been looking in Southern Maine. Not a one.

 

[punjabiplaya]

How do you find it?

edit: fixed link

http://pure-gas.org/

 

[ThatsABigOne]

http://pure-gas.org/

edit: fixed link

I am not sure what the link does..

 

[punjabiplaya]

I am not sure what the link does..

re-fixed, it was directing to the wrong site even though I copy pasted

http://pure-gas.org/

 

[ThatsABigOne]

re-fixed, it was directing to the wrong site even though I copy pasted

http://pure-gas.org/

Got it. Nearest station is 60 miles away in Utah. F that.

 

[LTC8K6]

 

[ThatsABigOne]

^ Thats cheap! Here 87 hangs around 3.65 dollars.

 

[LTC8K6]

^ Thats cheap! Here 87 hangs around 3.65 dollars.

Oklahoma...

 

[Rifter]

Yeah i only run 100% gas, although im also driving a truck with a carburated 350. The ethanol blending % is getting out of control.