AND ANOTHER ROUND OF 20 PROOF FOR MY ATV...

[Dune Dude]

Don't worry, I'm doing the driving and I will make sure it gets home safe.

Coming to a gas station near you in 2008, is the State (Oregon) mandated E10 blended gasoline.  E standing for Ethanol and 10 being the percentage of the alcohol in the gas.  So what you say?  Really there is not much you need to do other than fill up your tanks and ride as usual.  Here is some background info I sourced on-line:

SALEM - Motorists who fill up with gasoline in Oregon are about to put in a blended fuel that is 10 percent ethanol as part of a mandated, phased implementation of the state's renewable fuel standard. Nine counties in northwest Oregon will be the first to fall under the requirement starting Jan. 15, 2008. The rest of the state will follow in stages. By the middle of September 2008, every licensed gas station in Oregon will offer the ethanol-blended fuel as required. For now, owners of those gas stations and the inspectors who will ensure compliance are getting ready for the change in hopes that motorists don't experience any problems with their vehicles.

"We have sent out notices to all facilities with licensed gasoline meters listing the regions and dates for implementation," said Russ Wyckoff, administrator of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Measurement Standards Division, whose inspectors check motor fuel quantity and quality on a routine basis. "We have also notified those licensees on steps to take to prepare gasoline storage tanks for the switch to the ethanol-blended product."

House Bill 2210, also known as Oregon's Biofuel Mandate, passed in the 2007 legislative session and signed into law. When ethanol production in Oregon has the capacity to reach 40 million gallons a year, the renewable fuel standard for ethanol kicks in. That capacity was reached this fall and has set in motion an implementation plan for the required 10 percent ethanol blend of motor fuel in Oregon.

By Jan. 15, 2008, the blended fuel will become mandatory in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties. The City of Portland has its own requirement for ethanol-blended fuel already in place. By April 15, 2008, Linn, Lane, Benton, Lincoln, Douglas, Coos, Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties will join the effort. Finally, by Sept. 16, 2008, all counties east of the Cascades will complete the full statewide implementation.

The phased-in approach assures that suppliers will be able to provide the ethanol-blended gas to all regions of the state. Gasoline dealers have been given a heads up on the mandate so that preparation of the fuel storage tanks can begin.

"The initial challenge is for distributors and retail locations to have their storage tanks properly cleaned out and ready to receive an ethanol-blended product," Wyckoff said.

The key is to remove any water that may be present in the storage tank.

"With regular gasoline, water is heavier, separates, goes to the bottom of the tank, and usually doesn't get into a motor vehicle's system," Wyckoff said. "An ethanol blend actually absorbs water and can cause problems if water is already present in the storage tank."

ODA inspectors will continue to check the quality of all gasoline sold in Oregon which includes a special emphasis for water in the fuel. As was the case prior to the ethanol-blend mandate, gasoline storage tanks with an excessive amount of water will be required to have that water removed before it can be sold.

What does all this mean to the average motorist in Oregon?

"The consumer should see minimal difference in mileage or the performance of their vehicle with the new fuel standard," Wyckoff said. "We already have a number of retail locations around the state that have sold a 10 percent ethanol-blended fuel for years. The new law will now just have everyone on the same page."

Arco is among the gasoline retailers that been selling ethanol in its product.

Assuming the storage tanks at gas stations have been properly prepared, most vehicles will run just fine on the blended fuel. A possible exception is the older vehicle that may already have some water contamination in its own tank. Motorists may need to change a fuel filter soon after the ethanol-blended product is put into the tank for the first time.

"For consumers who have not used an ethanol-blended product before, they may want to have a half a tank of regular gasoline in their tank before putting in a blended product for the first time to allow the car's engine system a chance to become acclimated," Wyckoff said.

Since many motorists will travel between regions before the September deadline for full implementation of the renewable fuel standard for ethanol, it is possible they might purchase blended gasoline one time, and gasoline without ethanol the next time. Wyckoff says switching back and forth should not be a problem.

As of Sept. 16, 2008, the only gasoline to be sold in Oregon without the ethanol requirement is fuel used exclusively for aircraft.

But DD we heard Ethanol is bad?  We heard it was the Devil's Fuel...
More great on-line info:

Consumer Myth-Busters

In spite of the fact that billions of trouble-free miles have been driven using ethanol-blended gasoline (most on E-10 Unleaded), some myths still persist regarding its use. Here are the facts:

MYTH:
Ethanol causes “vapor lock.”

FACT: State and federal statutes continue to lower vapor pressure levels, virtually eliminating the vapor lock problems that were reported in the past. Additionally, all major auto manufacturers now use in-tank fuel pumps, which are not subject to vapor lock problems as were the older in-line fuel pumps.

MYTH:
Ethanol plugs up fuel lines and fuel injectors.

FACT: Situations involving plugged fuel filters are virtually non-existent today. In the past (especially in cars made prior to 1975), switching to ethanol-blended gasoline occasionally resulted in the fuel system being scrubbed clean due to the cleansing nature of ethanol. The loosened residue would be caught in the fuel filter—requiring a filter change. Once the filter was changed, the fuel system remained clean, enhancing engine performance.

Some components in gasoline, such as olefins (which are a waxy substance), can cause deposits that foul injectors. But since ethanol burns 100 percent and leaves no residue, it cannot contribute to the formation of deposits. In fact, ethanol blends help keep fuel injectors cleaner.

MYTH:
Ethanol blends can’t be used in small engines.

FACT: E-10 Unleaded is perfectly acceptable in lawn mowers, snowmobiles, ATVs and other small engines that run on ordinary unleaded gasoline. Virtually every small engine manufacturer, including Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Toro/Lawnboy, Kohler and Snapper, approves the use of E-10 Unleaded in its equipment.

MYTH:
Most auto mechanics tell people not to use ethanol-blended gasoline.

FACT: A mechanic who says not to use E-10 Unleaded simply does not have correct information—particularly since every major automaker in the world approves the use of 10 blends ethanol blends under warranty. Fuel formulation and fuel quality have changed dramatically over the years, and many auto mechanics simply don’t have current information or knowledge of these changes and how they affect engine performance. The result: When a problem appears to be fuel related, some mechanics will immediately ask if E-10 Unleaded has been used—and if so, blame ethanol for the problem. In some states, E-10 Unleaded advocates have offered a substantial reward to any customer who can document damage from E-10 Unleaded to his or her car—and so far, no one has ever collected.

MYTH:
E-10 Unleaded cannot be used in older cars.

FACT: The formulation of gasoline has changed considerably over the past few years without affecting the performance of older cars. Many older cars were designed to run on leaded gasoline, with the lead providing the octane necessary for engine performance. When lead was phased out of gasoline, oil companies added toxic chemicals to raise the octane rating and other additives to replace the “lubrication” value of lead.

The ethanol in E-10 Unleaded raises octane in gasoline by three points and it does so using a natural, renewable additive that works well in older engines.

Automakers That Approve Ethanol Blended Gasoline

The use of ethanol-blended fuel (E-10 Unleaded) is approved under warranty by every major automaker in the world.

Sounds good to us so why are you wasting our time with this?

Check out my math problem

700 KFX * 20 PROOF / 4 MONTHS = 1 MISERABLE RUNNING BIKE

Because of the water absorbing properties of Ethanol you will not want to keep the blended gasoline around to long.
Here is some other info I found:

When using E10 ethanol alcohol fuels, several precautions are necessary because:


E10 and E85 ethanol blend fuels have an affinity to absorb amazing amounts of water, very quickly,  compared to conventional non-alcohol gasoline.
Ethanol alcohol is a great solvent and cleaner, that can dissolve engine parts (rubber, plastic, aluminum, and certain fiberglass tanks), dry out hoses, remove lubrication, and more.
Engine seals and hoses shrink, swell, or lose strength when exposed to ethanol reformulated gasoline.
Water is actually dissolved in an ethanol blended fuel and phase separation occurs much sooner. With MTBE, ETBE, lead and other chemicals used in the past to oxygenated gasoline, this did not happen
The shelf life of ethanol blend fuels is much lower due to it's water-absorbing and corrosive qualities.  Replacing gasoline every 2 to 4 weeks is usually recommended with E10.   90 days is the maximum shelf-life recommended. 

Shelf Life

Ethanol fuel expires in 90 days.  At around 100 days, under ideal conditions (mid-temperature and low humidity), ethanol blend fuels will enter phase separation (contaminated gas).

DD

[Sandflicker]

That is very interesting.  And considering I have canned gas, and gas in my quads that has remained there since last used in October.  I suppose I would have some problems.  Further, if it will corrode plastic and absorb it (plastic tanks, cans etc) I could see problems coming from that.
So, DD, what's the answer?  Maybe we'll have to buy new (old metal gas containers) and drain the quads after each use?

[Ratmeat]

I am going to start using 100 octain low lead av gas in my bikes.

At least that is what I think I am going to do. My friend uses it in his banshee and has no issues.

[2fun]

Can you still use Stabil as an additive to keep the gas fresh??

[Ratmeat]

Can you still use Stabil as an additive to keep the gas fresh??

Couldn't tell ya, I ride to often to use Stabil

[2fun]

Can you still use Stabil as an additive to keep the gas fresh??

Couldn't tell ya, I ride to often to use Stabil

***""The shelf life of ethanol blend fuels is much lower due to it's water-absorbing and corrosive qualities.  Replacing gasoline every 2 to 4 weeks is usually recommended with E10.   90 days is the maximum shelf-life recommended.""***

I don't ride every 2-4 weeks in the winter or spring time.  In fact, the bikes may sit for 3-5 months during the off-season.  Combine that with the fact that I have more than one machine, and each one does not get ridden every single trip.  Sounds like this could be trouble for a "back-up" ATV 

[Ratmeat]

This fall and winter we rode in mid Sept, First weekend in November, Last week in December, and last weekend.

We are headed to Winchester end of March, end of April (SWR Cleanup) and end of June- July 6.

Guess I'm just lucky. Of course I don't have the funds for a back up quad.

As for fuel I am still looking to run av gas.

[2fun]

This fall and winter we rode in mid Sept, First weekend in November, Last week in December, and last weekend.

We are headed to Winchester end of March, end of April (SWR Cleanup) and end of June- July 6.

Guess I'm just lucky. Of course I don't have the funds for a back up quad.

As for fuel I am still looking to rum av gas.

I used to run Av-Gas in my built 250R.  Stuff burns clean and has a shelf life of about 20 yrs!!

Well, maybe not THAT long, but you get my drift 

[woodsrider]

 Now i know why my friends 96 chevy truck will not run right its the ARCO gas he has been getting.
When he runs other brands of fuel it works fine.

[DuneJunkie]

Now i know why my friends 96 chevy truck will not run right its the ARCO gas he has been getting.
When he runs other brands of fuel it works fine.

I used to own a 1/2 ton chevy, and stopped by am/pm to get gas..................never had a crappy running truck til that day!

Their gas sux!

[Ratmeat]

Well

I just went and filled the fuel cans for our trip to horsefall on the 27th.

Since all of our pump gas around here is oxygenated, I went to the Salem airport and bought 20 gal of 100 octane low lead for our bikes.

Paid 4.70 a Gal.

I called Mark Nelson oil products and they wanted $10 bucks a gallon for race gas (110 Octane) out of pump in front of their shop.

Matt Gifford at DTR racing is also getting $10 a gallon (110 Octane) in 5 gallon cans and 9 a gallon out of the drum in your can.

I figure this is a fairly good deal all things considered.

[RTOYZ]

Colvin Oil is a club sponsor and have several stations around with the Torco Racing fuel 110 octane. They do give us a 10 or 15% discount on this fuel. Go see them or call them at 541-772-6213 and tell them your a T.I member to get deal.

[Ratmeat]

Colvin Oil is a club sponsor and have several stations around with the Torco Racing fuel 110 octane. They do give us a 10 or 15% discount on this fuel. Go see them or call them at 541-772-6213 and tell them your a T.I member to get deal.

Love to bit Colvin Oil is in medford and I am in Salem

When my father had his station down there we bought all our fuel from Colvin. He had a station in Talent called Snappy Service. its just a repair shop now.

[PDP Shane]

I just bought a 5 gallon can of vp 110 for 38 bucks , which is pretty good beings that I was paying 45 bucks 2 years ago . Hey Ratmeat , go to Factory motorsports in Oregon City , they had it on sale. If your in Salem , it's not as far to drive as Medford !

[Ratmeat]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out!

[Tippy]

i did run AV gas once in my built VW and that thing could have run ten sec. at the speedway. in the three years i owed that vehicle it never ran so hott. however it did have 11.5 to 1 compression.

[Ratmeat]

Just got back from Coos again monday and have to report that we really liked the av gas.

Runs clean and crisp.

Here is some math for ya

Super Unleaded 92 octane $3.35 a gallon at Exxon in Reedsport today

add $1.35 for Av Gas, 100 octane low lead $4.70 a gallon at Salem airport last week. That is 8 octane more for $1.35

add $5.30 for Race gas, 110 octane low lead $10.00 a gallon at DTR racing on Friday. This is 10 octane more then av gas.

Why does gas with an octane rating 8 points higher only cost $1.35 more and race gas with a rating 10 points higher then av gas cost $5.30 more???

I say price gouging! But hey, I aint a chemist so I have no idea what it takes to get a 110 rating over a 100 rating.

I will say this, it don't look right to me!

Long story short, I like the value in the av gas, and the performance was good.

Smells better too, maybe that was the lead?

[RTOYZ]

here is a copy of a letter I received in the club P.O. box today. I just would like to know where we can get this around here or the coast.


-1_ Department of Agriculture
Salem, OR 97301-2532
Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor
March 17, 2008
To: Aircraft, antique vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, racing activity vehicles, snowmobiles, tools or watercraft owners.
RE: Important Information Regarding Ethanol Blended Gasoline.
To address citizen’s concerns about Oregon’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate to blend all gasoline with 10% by volume ethanol, the 2008 Legislature Special Assembly passed Senate Bill (SB) 1079 that provides exceptions to this blending mandate for very specific applications.
A temporary administrative rule has been adopted to immediately implement SB 1079. If you are the owner/user of one of the exemptions and chose to use non-ethanol blended gasoline that meet the specific exceptions provided by SB 1079, this rule affects you.
Renewable Fuel Standard Exceptions
In essence, SB 1079 and this temporary administrative rule allow non-ethanol blended gasoline for the following applications only:
•   Aircraft,   •   Tools including but not limited to lawn
•   Antique vehicles,   mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws,
•   All-terrain vehicles,   or
•   Racing activity vehicles,   •   Watercraft
•   Snowmobiles,
Refer to SB 1079 for the definitions of these specific cxemptions.
Once this rule goes into effect, it will allow wholesale, retail, and non-retail dealers to sell non-ethanol blended gasoline for the specific exemptions listed. This temporary rule also clarifies labeling requirements for dispensers, storage tanks, and posting of exemption information. Locations are not required to offer a non-ethanol blended fuel, but they now have the ability to make a business decision to provide it based on customer demand.
A complete copy of the temporary administrative rules is available on the ODA Measurement Standards Division web site at http://eszovorcnon.2ov/ODA//MSD
If you have questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact the ODA Measurement Standards Division at 503-986-4670 or e-mail at ms
Regards,
__ Y
Russ Wyckoff
Administrator
Measurement Standards Division

[Ratmeat]

Cool deal

Still gona use av gas from now on.

Super 92 octane rating
Av gas  100 octane rating

Seem like a better deal then race gas to me. but what do I know?

[YFZ 450 Quadaholic]

Hey everyone; just a little advice regarding AV gas.
If you are mixing 2-stroke oil in with AV gas be aware that not all 2-stroke oils mix (very well) with AV gas.
I suggest getting a glass jar and testing the mixture yourself with various oils and observe the results.
I have experienced problems with some oils in the past separating/not blending well with AV gas as compared to pump gas.
It's been a few years since I did this test myself, so I cannot recall which brands of 2-stroke oil were not compatible.
Food for thought.
-James

[SANDDEMON]

Great post, answers a few new problems lately. I will check the local prices on race gas here in Albany. One supplier of race gas has kept his prices lower than the rest. May be more expensive , but you 'll be riding and not broke down.
Honey I have to ride again before the gas goes bad........................

[Ratmeat]

Well

Been using Av gas for two trips to the dunes and 4 trips to Albany drag racing and have had no problems.

As for the problems mixing it with 2 stroke oil, the guy that told me about the av gas has been running it in his banshee for 5 years now and has also had no problems.

I then asked the guys at the airport about any problems he has heard of running ave gas in bikes and he said " I've been here 30 years and have never ever heard of any problems."

He went on to say that there are a lot of rumors about how av gas has antifreeze in it. He stated that it was BS. Av gas is a purer, higher quality blend of fuel. It has a freezing point of -60 Degrees. I did some research on the av gas and found this document about av gas: http://www.phillips66aviation.com/NR/rdonlyres/B359AA27-A8CC-46D6-B0C9-82D32CA8721A/0/COPAvGas1406.pdf

What I really find interesting is note 814 that states:

The aviation gasoline herein specified shall be free from undissolved water, sediment, and suspended matter. The odor of the fuel shall not be nauseating or irritating. No substances of known dangerous toxicity under usual
conditions of handling and use shall be present except as permitted in the ASTM specification. (ASTM D 910
Section 8.1)

I Have learned a ton more about av gas vs Super unleaded by reading the ASTM standards documents at :

http://www.astm.org/.

If any body has any interest in checking into it feel free.  I know my decision is to not mix race gas and super unleaded any longer. With the ethanol in the automotive fuel now, and the way it absorbs water I just don't think it is good for the bikes.