Another factor to consider is the energy content of ethanol. The
stoichiometric ratio for gasoline is about 14.7, for ethanol it is 9.0 to
one, so a 10% mix yields about 14.1. You might try a little richer mixture,
and see if it helps.
Herb Miller
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at
autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Bob Spidell
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2011 11:00 AM
To: Steve B. Gerow
Cc: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Bad running due to ethanol in gas?
Steve,
Sounds like a worthwhile experiment. If you can prove an association
between ethanol content and poor running engines I'd be interested. Also,
if some suppliers are exceeding the 10% limit your local consumer affairs
bureau should be notified (if they haven't been laid off).
One problem is that 'poor running' is subjective. Since you already have a
'hunch' that the fuel is causing your problems you will likely attribute any
miss, stumble, etc. to the fuel. The only way to get an objective reading
that I can think of is to put your car on a dynamometer and try the
different fuels. You can also track mileage closely, but that is an
indirect indicator at best.
I've given one data set but, again, it's subjective (except for the mileage
figures for the BJ8, which we've tracked for over 16 years of extended
trips). I've noticed a slight problem that could be mild vapor lock if I
drive on a warm day,
shut the engine down for a half-hour or so then restart. Seems to be a
recent (last few years) phenomenon, and doesn't
happen after a briefer (up to 15min.) shutdown.
Also, I assume you have a modern, computer-controlled EFI auto as a backup
for your Healey. Have you tried the same fuel in your BJ9? Modern cars are
designed to accommodate a variety of fuels--my Mustang will run on 87-octane
but prefers premium (or better)--but a problem with combustion might be
detected and logged by the ECM.
My 'hunch' would be that--if you're buying your fuel from the same
station--there could be contamination (e.g. water) in the fuel or the fuel
is 'stale.'
Bob
On 9/4/2011 7:54 AM, Steve B. Gerow wrote:
> Bob,
> I wasn't intending to pass my assertion off as "science". Wanted to put it
out in front of the group and see if anyone else feels like they're
experiencing the same issue.
>
> I've been having these problems for maybe three months and have a hunch
about the gas. This may be wrong and I'll figure it out after a while.
>
> I followed up on my hunch by purchasing the test kit ($30 approx). I'm now
going to embark on a program of testing the fuels I buy at different
stations. Different grades, too.
>
> It would be useful information if some other drivers would test their gas,
find a similar percentage of ethanol, and report whether their cars are
running differently.
--
*******************************************************************
Bob Spidell San Jose, CA bspidell at comcast.net
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