Why should I use gas with 10% ethanol?

[blowout preventer]

Why am I supposed to want to use "super unleaded" (gasoline with 10%
ethanol)?
Yes, it's about 10% cheaper than regular gas -- but gets about 10%
less mileage.
So it logically follows that my car runs 10% better on straight
gasoline -- in other words, more power.
So, all other things being equal (cost/gallon vs. miles/gallon
cancelling each other out) -- it seems like straight gasoline would be
the clear choice, giving you more power all the while.
Unless I'm wrong about any of the things I stated above.

[Paul in Houston TX]

Post by blowout preventer
Why am I supposed to want to use "super unleaded" (gasoline with 10%
ethanol)?
Yes, it's about 10% cheaper than regular gas -- but gets about 10%
less mileage.
So it logically follows that my car runs 10% better on straight
gasoline -- in other words, more power.
So, all other things being equal (cost/gallon vs. miles/gallon
cancelling each other out) -- it seems like straight gasoline would be
the clear choice, giving you more power all the while.
Unless I'm wrong about any of the things I stated above.

Because:
"At ADM, everything we do starts with the hard work of farmers. Day in
and day out, they work diligently so we can serve the world’s vital
needs. Food, animal feed and biofuels—none of it would be possible
without their invaluable contributions.

Our grain and farmer services were developed to help farmers get the
most from their crops. From making it easier to get a fair price for
grain to playing an active role in the communities where we do business,
we provide services to help farmers achieve success, sustain their
livelihoods and earn a profit from their business."
http://www.adm.com/en-US/products/grain-farmer-services/Pages/default.aspx

[PeterD]

Post by blowout preventer
Why am I supposed to want to use "super unleaded" (gasoline with 10%
ethanol)?

Super unleaded has nothing to do with ethanol. Two distinctly different
things.

Post by blowout preventer
Yes, it's about 10% cheaper than regular gas -- but gets about 10%
less mileage.

Last I checked it was not 10% cheaper, it is 10% more.

Post by blowout preventer
So it logically follows that my car runs 10% better on straight
gasoline -- in other words, more power.

Basically, yes.

Post by blowout preventer
So, all other things being equal (cost/gallon vs. miles/gallon
cancelling each other out) -- it seems like straight gasoline would be
the clear choice, giving you more power all the while.

Of course.

Post by blowout preventer
Unless I'm wrong about any of the things I stated above.

Only the first point and the price issue(s).

Why use it? Because the law says you have to. Why does the law say you
have to? Because corrupt politicians have accepted millions in bribes to
pass that law, so that the companies who produce ethanol can sell their
product where there is no market for it. Forget the fact that we can't
produce enough food for the world, let's burn food in our cars to make
politicians rich and powerful. Yea, that's a great idea. Remember that
in November, and don't under any circumstances re-elect any politician.

[Daniel who wants to know]

Post by PeterD
Super unleaded has nothing to do with ethanol. Two distinctly different
things.

It is here in Iowa, regular unleaded 87 R+M/2 octane is pure gasoline, super
unleaded 89 octane is E10, and 91 octane premium I think is pure gasoline.

Post by PeterD
Last I checked it was not 10% cheaper, it is 10% more.

Once again, in Iowa it is 10 cents less, IE if 87 is $3.45, 89 is $3.35 and
91 is $3.65

This means that in order for it to be >3.3% less cost to match the ~3.3%
less energy content the fuel has to be less than $3.00 a gallon. Now if you
count that it is actually 20 cents less than it otherwise should be and if
your car can effectively use the higher octane rating it changes the math a
bit.

[PeterD]

Post by Daniel who wants to know

Post by PeterD
Super unleaded has nothing to do with ethanol. Two distinctly
different things.

It is here in Iowa, regular unleaded 87 R+M/2 octane is pure gasoline,
super unleaded 89 octane is E10, and 91 octane premium I think is pure
gasoline.

Odd, here in New England all gas is 10%. Most places seem to be that
way, and I'm not sure why they'd do only super in your region/state,
except for a profit motive? (Or maybe they are trying to convince you
not to buy super? <bg>)

Post by Daniel who wants to know

Post by PeterD
Last I checked it was not 10% cheaper, it is 10% more.

Once again, in Iowa it is 10 cents less, IE if 87 is $3.45, 89 is $3.35

Ouch!

Post by Daniel who wants to know
and 91 is $3.65
This means that in order for it to be >3.3% less cost to match the ~3.3%
less energy content the fuel has to be less than $3.00 a gallon. Now if
you count that it is actually 20 cents less than it otherwise should be
and if your car can effectively use the higher octane rating it changes
the math a bit.

Regardless, the adding of ethanol to gasoline is not a prudent move, it
was brought about by companies who were trying to maximize their profit
at the expense of others. The reduction in emissions is equal to the
reduction in performance (so a 'lighter foot' would result in a similar
reduction!) and the increase in costs is not justified under any
calculation.

[Daniel who wants to know]

Odd, here in New England all gas is 10%. Most places seem to be that way,
and I'm not sure why they'd do only super in your region/state, except for
a profit motive? (Or maybe they are trying to convince you not to buy
super? <bg>)

It doesn't work for most, Many people I know run only the E10 in all the
cars/trucks because of the lower price point, including in the ones that it
really shouldn't be used in like an old 70s/80s Chevy pickup with a Q jet on
a SBC 350.

Regardless, the adding of ethanol to gasoline is not a prudent move, it
was brought about by companies who were trying to maximize their profit at
the expense of others. The reduction in emissions is equal to the
reduction in performance (so a 'lighter foot' would result in a similar
reduction!) and the increase in costs is not justified under any
calculation.

In Missouri E10 is required by state law too. I am so glad that I have a
choice, IE that crap never goes anywhere near my gasoline powered mowers,
Etc. and I only run it in the cars once every few weeks.

[James Goforth]

Daniel wrote, "In Missouri E10 is required by state law too. I am so
glad that I have a choice, IE that crap never goes anywhere near my
gasoline powered mowers, Etc. and I only run it in the cars once every
few weeks."

*******************************************

What is the benefit of running E10 every few weeks?
Do you advocate running it in the winter time (to avoid gas line
freeze, etc.?

[PeterD]

Post by James Goforth
What is the benefit of running E10 every few weeks?

I doubt there is any benefit to running it, either every few weeks, or
all the time. The claimed emissions improvements are bogus IMHO as they
mimic the loss of fuel economy.

Post by James Goforth
Do you advocate running it in the winter time (to avoid gas line
freeze, etc.?

I doubt it helps, but I've never considered that.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Post by James Goforth
Daniel wrote, "In Missouri E10 is required by state law too. I am so
glad that I have a choice, IE that crap never goes anywhere near my
gasoline powered mowers, Etc. and I only run it in the cars once every
few weeks."
*******************************************
What is the benefit of running E10 every few weeks?
Do you advocate running it in the winter time (to avoid gas line
freeze, etc.?

That is a potential benefit. Before E10, it was common to put some
Dry Gas in the tank once in a while. It would absorb any water.
Personally, I never used it and never had a freezing problem. Fuel
systems are also better sealed than they were years ago and less
likely to absorb moisture.

[Canuck57]

Post by James Goforth
Daniel wrote, "In Missouri E10 is required by state law too. I am so
glad that I have a choice, IE that crap never goes anywhere near my
gasoline powered mowers, Etc. and I only run it in the cars once every
few weeks."
*******************************************
What is the benefit of running E10 every few weeks?
Do you advocate running it in the winter time (to avoid gas line
freeze, etc.?

No need to run ethanol for winter. Just another myth.

Only reason water gets in the tank is bad gas and $5 fills....

You can avoid both by filling up the tank full each time forcing water
vapors out and to only fill at well maintained stations.

Fact is ethanol has more water in it, thus can actually make the problem
worse if you don't burn it right away. The ethanol blends even have a
shorter shelf life.

So much BS about ethanol, best to avoid it where possible.