shotgun_banjo

Do you guys know if using gas without ethanol on colder temp increase the MPG of the GLK or it will just be the same with the ethanol blend gas?

jonnyrt

Using any ethanol mixture will decrease your fuel economy. Ethanol has less energy and heat content compared to gasoline, so to compensate for the reduced energy, your engine has to burn more. Plus, ethanol is extremely corrosive (hence why all exhaust systems have to be stainless steel).

shotgun_banjo

so paying another 3 cents for gas containing no ethanol would be better then huh?

jonnyrt

I would never do it, just my 2 cents.....

shotgun_banjo

please clarify

jonnyrt

I would never use an ethanol mixture in my GLK, only premium

shotgun_banjo

91 octane gas in here has ethanol mixture and I do believe it is the same case for US gas stations. The only gas here that doesn't have ethanol is a 94 octane gas which cost +/- 3 cents more per litre. I know the difference in cost for a full tank of gas using the really expensive petrol is only around $4-5 max so maybe it might not be a bad idea afterall BUT a dollar is a dollar specially when everyone is trying to save money on everything.

jonnyrt

I don't think premium gasoline adds alcohol. Higher grades like 94 usually add methanol to increase the octane number and tend to burn hotter. Higher octane fuels are generally used with high compressor engines, because they have a more predictable flame front (to avoid knocking)

Keep in mind octane number differs between Europe and North America

venchka

I suggest a controlled test. Say five tanks of each computing MPG, or MPLiter, and calculating the results manually. Not relying on the built in computer. Personally, if I get get real gasoline, no ethanol, I would.
For once I agree with the rabid tree huggers: Turning perfectly good food into a bad fuel is DUMB! and uneconomical.
End of rant. Keep us posted.

Wayne

GLKKa2H

It'll decrease the MPG at all temperatures. Ethanol in colder temperatures is challenging the cold start. Greater ratio ethanol:gasoline = greater impact. Starting from approx. +5°C.

With regard to Fuel Requirements is there a statement in the GLK Operator's Manual: "Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one of these oxygenates to gasoline does notexceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%."

And, the subject ethanol is eagerly discussed a number of times on the forum, with a lot of more - or less qualified statements.

shotgun_banjo

great...another BS to worry about. So I guess the GLK will be needing a change in diet soon. I"ll try to use the 94 octane without the ethanol mixture and see what consumption I'll get but that will be for next week as I just filled the car with the ethanol mixture gas (91 octane)....I hate how these really smart corporate persons do something like these to ravage the consumers who buys there products.

When engines that runs on water will be invented they will say "spring water only" rather than "distilled water" go figure.

GLKKa2H

With 10% ethanol I would say so many other factors are having an impact on the MPG, like road conditions (snow, rain, surface), temperature, where etc., that it might be hard to say any change was the caused by the blend as such.

The change of octane will most likely be the cause of any increased MPG.

My experience with a 85% ethanol car thru 3 years was a decrease of the MPG of approx. 28%.

MBRedux

This ^ ! Where have you found a non-E10 fuel?

jonnyrt

Here is Canada, regular gasoline is E5 (max 5% anhydrous ethanol), premium unleaded gasoline is 0% anhydrous ethanol.

shotgun_banjo

All gas station here in BC lower mainland has 10% ethanol on all petrol gas except on 94 octane (one chevron gas station in Vancouver has 96 octane and has no ethanol mix). Are you saying that in AB the mixture there is different?

jonnyrt

In Alberta, most gas stations, the highest grade for premium is 91. I have seen some Husky gas stations selling 94, but like I said before that has Methanol blended in to raise the octane number. Furthermore, at Shell stations, it often clearly states on the pump "Regular is max 10% anhydrous ethanol," Silver (89) is max 5% anhydrous ethanol"

venchka

We saw a number of stations in rural TN, AL, MS & LA recently. They all had large signs touting their Ethanol/Alcohol free gas. I actually bought some 89 octane ethanol free gas in LA.

Wayne

venchka

Here is a list.............

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp

There are even a few in Maryland.

Wayne

MBRedux

Interesting! I like the idea of ethanol free gasolines... that junk has been forced down our throats by the corn lobby of ADM Inc. It not only wears down our fuel systems, it significantly reduces our fuel mileage, attracts too much H2O, and increases the cost per gallon by 12 cents... and the clincher, it does very little to help the air, if anything.

venchka

It's worse than that. ADM, Inc. isn't alone. The rabid tree huggers are now admitting that it takes more BTUs in than BTUs out to produce. Gasoline isn't the only thing that costs more. Food prices are jacked up because we divert food into our fuel tanks. Don't get me started.

Wayne

jonnyrt

Thanks Wayne, as expected, all 91 Octane in Alberta is ethanol free as shown on this site.....ethanol, it is all lies!

venchka

I knew there was a reason to visit Alberta. It's been too long. Dusting off the maps. Eh!

Wayne