I’ve somehow always understood that the reason earlier engines were not compatible with ethanol fuels because the internal elastomer parts (gaskets etc.) were adversely affected by ethanol, otherwise the engines are basically the same.
No one needs to add anything to these fuels, however if one accepts the concept that lubrication can decrease or diminish wear on moving parts, then perhaps some lubrication could be beneficial because there is absolutely no lubrication value in ethanol.
But take a look at this link and question if ethanol is a problem;
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25936782/ns ... l-engines/
I/we choose to add small amounts of diesel for added lubrication to all our four stroke engines, yes, carbureted, fuel injected, our VW Turbo, Marine engines (both carbureted and fuel injected) etc.
In the previous discussions, the concerns and fears of fouled spark plugs, affects on fuel injection, damage to catalytic converters etc. etc. etc. just has not happened.
My Degrees are not in engineering, but at the same time I/we can and are able make rational observations, allow time to either discredit or continue the experiment/s, I’m 68 and have added diesel to every vehicle I’ve ever owned since having the little mistake mentioned earlier with my new 94 Roadking (do the math).
My Father in law has done this since the late 40’s and had tremendous high mile results from much more primitive automobile and truck engines that we have today.
I sold his 65 Ford some years ago (never been overhauled) that had over 250,000 on it, did not burn oil and drove it at interstate speeds to deliver it to the new owner.
All that is being added is a slight amount of lubrication and cleaning activity from the tank to, through the fuel system, lubricates the valve guides, to above the rings, burned and exhausted.
You all can reason all you want, but there are those who add diesel regularly and can see positive results (extended engine life and smooth operation).
At least twelve c-brats contacted me after the first discussion, apologizing how I was (in their opinion) jumped on and at least a dozen apologized for not commenting because they regularly add diesel to their equipment and did not want to be jumped on.
Last year I sold a 1992 Chevy Pickup with 321,000 miles and still running well, the reason it was sold was that the brake lines and fuel line was rotting/rusting/ leaking and the replacement cost of either one of these systems would cost more that this much loved truck was worth.
Did the added diesel make a difference, I believer it make a great difference, just because it reduced some internal wear.
At the National Mississippi River Gathering I invited several to come over and witness how my 90 Honda idles, very smooth and could hardly hear it run, diesel is added with every fill up (hopefully some will comment).
None of you need to do anything different, I/we and many people around the country add diesel to their gas tanks, just for the added lubrication and do believe there are positive results.
This subject has been beat to death, those that have experimented with adding diesel seem to continue the practice.
So guys, go ahead do nothing, fuel is fuel, however there are others that have different opinions, because they have tried or experimented with the “adding a little diesel” concept.
If anyone is interested in further discussing this with me, please send a PM or e-mail.
Regards,
Ron Fisher