Ethanol Gas for the First Time.

[poncho65]

Just picked up a 1962 C-10 half-ton. The truck is a nice original, running and driving truck. It's coming from a non-ethanol gas state....to a state where the only gas you can get, has ethanol.

What are your thoughts here? Should I plan on replacing the gas tank and fuel lines right away or maybe just run the truck with fuel additives and see how it goes. I know ethanol can can play hell when used in an older vehicle for time, so just want to do the right thing here.

[TJ's Chevy]

Won't make a difference as long as you run it and don't let it sit for a long time. I run my trucks at least once every 2 weeks so fresh fuel gets in the carb. Also look into a can of sea foam for your tank. It does wonders for fuel with ethanol.

[WhippinSaw]

Not much choice there, I just use the highest octane and add "gunk's motor medic lead substitute" in my 327, so far so good.

[LVPhotos]

You will need to replace rubber lines for ones that won't break down with alcohol. Carb will need to have rubber parts switched out and/or alcohol carb or e85 carb. It's the break down of rubber parts that clogs and damages everything. Notice some new cars are not rated for it either.

[66Submarine]

I burn the cheapest 87 octane I can find.

[Indian113]

I would put a inline fuel filter on it. Put it someplace you can get to easy because you might go thru a few as it cleans out your fuel system.

[poncho65]

Originally Posted by Indian113

I would put a inline fuel filter on it. Put it someplace you can get to easy because you might go thru a few as it cleans out your fuel system.

Good idea.....think that is one of the first things I will do this spring.....if spring ever gets here!

[evan396]

Spring is going to get pushed back another week after Thursday!!

[OldGMJon]

I thought I read somewhere that hardened valves for the lack of lead may be a good idea as well.

[AcampoDave]

Here is CA we got some funky Ethanol stuff we call gasoline and the only precautions I take are not letting it get old, and using as much metal fuel line as possible.

[Todd W. White]

AMSOIL makes a treatment for ethanol is very good. Also, you can check around, and find places that sell ethanol free gasoline, even in your state, in most cases. Not every case, but most.

[Mr Bear]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

I burn the cheapest 87 octane I can find.

I'm with 66sub and AcampoDave. Keep it fresh and I use all new aluminum fuel tube, modern high pressure rated rubber lines and drive all of them regularly on 87 and 89. Locally the mix is 10% to 15%E and no worries over the innumerable miles on each of a 283 and a pair of 250s and a pair of old dodge/Plymouth flathead sixes, or my mower, tractor, riding mower, chain saw, blower, wife's jeep, Dads 47 Chevy with built 305, 1800cc VW Bug, etc.

We use no additives for lead replacement since none see drag racing or severe towing duty.

Neither do we use any oil additives to protect the standard or even moderate performance cams as they have hydrolic lifters (except for the flatties and the yard equipment) and none of the lift and spring loads are extraordinary.

I have found that where oil additives and Efuel is concerned, for the majority of us, the sky is not falling and probably will not. The money is better spent on quality parts and preventive maintenance.

[TJ's Chevy]

Seafoam is a great fuel treatment. And it actually works...had the same fuel in my tank for 8 months...good as fresh. One can treats 25 gallons...and I had two in there with 15 gallons. lol I run 92 and have never had issues. BerryGrant B12 also is a good fuel treatment.