Hey guys I just got a family 78 f100 and driving it home I had a brain fart about being told to only use pure non ethanol gas and I might have used regular by mistake because I'm still not used to premium or pure gas. Ever since I filled up it started to sputter bad when I come to a complete stop. Once I throttle and go she is fine.
Question is...can I run the truck until I have enough fuel burnt to add pure gas to it? Or should I mix pure gas now with the regular unleaded and let it work its way out? Or use a stabilizer for this tank? Or am I SOL and did I screw this up royally and need to worry about flushing it or having further problems?
Any help would be hugely appreciated, thanks!
J

 

Don't worry, while I'm not a fan of ethanol fuel it will be okay for you to run it untill the fuel level goes down.
These trucks should be okay on regular and actually should run on 10% ethanol gasoline.
Did this truck sit for any length of time? If it did, it might be time for a carb rebuild.

 

What? Is their fuel available without 10% ethanol in it?

 

It should be available if you look for it. In Wisconsin... my state...home of the Green Bay Packers, all premium is non oxygenated. I know that in Minnesota you can find it at co-ops and Marathon stations. My 78 runs fine on 10% ethanol blend but the mileage on any car or truck will be less since ethanol does have slightly less btu's than gasoline.

 

try this link Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

 

rockittsled I like that link. Wish I could get it on my gps! John

 

I have never run anything BUT 10% ethanol in my '79 because there's nothing else available in my area.

The issues you're seeing aren't likely due to the gas anyway. If this truck sat for a while (common with a new purchase), it's probably time for a carburetor rebuild. At the very least, you'll want to check basic things like idle speed and mixture. How long since the last tune-up? A properly-maintained truck will do just fine on 10% ethanol for all practical purposes.

 

I run BP Regular with "Invigorate" about 99.9% of the time .... even in my '77 F150. It's labeled in Va. as "up to 10% Ethanol".

I do add 1 oz. of TC-W3 per 5 gallons gasoline in the '77 and '07 F150 4X4s and my 1992 5.0 and 1995 4.6 T-Birds and my two Gold Wings. Been doing so a good long time now, though occasionally I'll just refill and not add it. I haven't used it in the Merc as I don't drive it a lot nor the wife's Forester as she doesn't want to fool with it.

I see no detriments, I buy it in a gallon size at W-mart, I use a Sta-Bil dispenser to dispense it in measured quantities. I was skeptical, but in my testing using ScangageII on the '07 and 85 Bird over the same routes over time, it do seem as if they do some better. Even if not, even if no mileage gain, it still makes sense.

Been testing

My '74 Triumph T150 get's 100% high test gasoline from one of three sources here locally, not BP. I will throw in an ounce of TC-W3 in the 5 galon jug I get it in along with some Sta-Bil if it looks like I'll let it set some. After my short fun ride, if not going to ride it for awhile, I drain tank and carbs into that jug for future.

 

I have never ran anything but the 10% ethanol in my 360 until last week when I found a station that carried the non ethanol. It was 85 cents a gallon more iirc but I figured I would give it a try, I was away from home and traveling. Granted it was only one tank full but I noticed no gain in mpgs, sample size too small I'm sure. My 360 runs fine on the blend.

 

The biggest problem you can run into with ethanol-blend fuel is that it can degrade older fuel lines. The rubber in them wasn't compounded to be compatible with the alcohol and it can turn them into a mass of black gum. Newer fuel line is made to work fine with the ethanol.

I just have a 'personal problem' with ethanol fuel. I wish I had a choice of fuel here. I wouldn't buy it given a choice.

 

[QUOTE=
I just have a 'personal problem' with ethanol fuel. I wish I had a choice of fuel here. I wouldn't buy it given a choice.[/QUOTE]

My problem is the truck sits 99% of the time. If it (ethanol) adsorbs moisture as I have read that it does, I worried that my metal in cab tank will rust. I can filter it (rust) out for a few years, but what about 10 years from now? How much of the bottom of my tank will be left? If this is an issue I'll pull the tank and have it internally coated. Any info about Ethanol in a metal tank causing corrosion?

 

When I lived in Minnesota our past Governor Pawlenty had a 20% ethanol rule that was set to occur last year but I think it finally got nixed since it wouldnt have been good for cars and trucks. The ethanol lobby is a powerful one I have heard.

 

I have ran the 10% stuff in my truck because its whats available and whats cheap, never had any problems.

 

Here is an eye opening report on the new E15 fuel that's coming whether we like it or not. We've been discussing E10 here but E15 is only 5% more ethanol.
Warnings Not to Use

 

btw I guess I should mention I have all new fuel line, aluminum hard line and rubber soft line, and a poly fuel tank.