Ethanol fuel and your older RV

[Madathlon]

First off, this also applies to your genset and older cars, trucks, Motorcycles, and boats.

Ethanol at any level can cause your older RV to have fuel problems, But you ask, will it destroy my engine?

The simple answer is NO.

Your engine can run happily on pure Ethanol. The danger is in the fuel system itself.

So lets start at the tan:.

Steel tanks all have a little rust, Ethanol acts as a release agent and allows the rust flakes to break off much easier then reg gas does. So we now have very fine rust in the system. Por-15 will seal and stop this issue and unless you replace your tank this is the only way to stop the rust from being released.

Now leaving the tank you have rubber lines and old steel lines. Ethanol will eat right through old rubber and carry it down stream towards your carb. Now your steel lines should be okay, but if you see rust on the outside its time to replace them also.

You need to replace all rubber hoses that carry fuel. from the tank to the carb on your engine and on your genset.

Plastic fuel filter also can not stand up to Ethanol. I highly suggest you replace it with a Marine Fuel / Water Separating Kits, you can find them at most auto parts stores or marine supply shops, this kits have a spin on filter that looks like a oil filter and is easy to replace any time and will also save you from water getting to the carb.

And then there is your fuel pump. There no way around it, your old OEM pump has to be replace. New ones come ready for Ethanol and will not have a problem, but your old one rubber is fighting a losing battle. You can also consider the advantages of installing a electric fuel pump such as faster starts and lower chances of vapor lock.

The for you folks with plastic carbs.. These carbs are broken down by Ethanol and will need replacing.

What the big issue with Ethanol is it loves rubber, it eats it and then that dissolved rubber blocks jets causing you to run lean. THIS IS WHAT KILLS ENGINES!

Now you say, Well where we live there isn't any Ethanol. Well folks all gas in the USA has no less then 5% Ethanol content. More in places with smog issues.

But there is a good side to Ethanol, The higher the Ethanol content the cleaner your engine is on the inside and the cooler it runs.

Once you have replace all the problem items your RV and genset will run for many more happier years on Ethanol at any level.


Keep the wheels rolling and have a great day...