Mechanical fuel pumps and ethanol

[rlsbee]

In my area it's gettin' almost impossible to buy gas without ethanol in it. Most places are selling 10% ethanol. I'm wondering if anyone else is concerned about the effect of the ethanol on a mechanical fuel pump. I use an additive called 'Star Tron' in my power equipment. On the tractor and snow blower forums it seems to be popular and I haven't had any issues since using it. I'm not sure how much it would help with a fuel pump diaphragm, though. It doesn't seem like there are many choices for an ethanol compatible fuel pump. In fact, I only found one, by PRG and it's a lttle pricey.
( http://performanceracinggroup.net/mopar-mechanical-fuel-pump--e85-compatab85.html )
I know the opinions and knowledge here is great so I thought I'd ask...should I be concerned and is that pump the only game in town?

I did a search and didn't find any other posts addressing my concerns so I hope I'm not duplicating a previous discussion.
Thanks

 

[ssok]

I (unfortunately) run E10 exclusively in my RR and F150. No issues as of yet. My RR is a 1973 400 with a new Holley carb on it.

My engine aint no Hemi, but at least I dont *need* to add anything to the tank.

edit: In North Jersey, I havent seen a single ethanol-free gas station.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I have a Holley mech pump on my 440 and it seems to be fine so far. I'm in CA and we're also stuck with the useless ethanol additive in the gas.

One thing I have noticed on the Eddy carbs is the blue colored accelerator pump plunger seal does not seem to like the gas. Typical symptom is no accel pump action and the cause is the seal swells up and no longer seals. Replace with Viton and no more issues.

 

[Cranky]

I've been using Sta-bil. It used to make junk regular last for well over a year but not so long with the ethanol crap. How long does the Star Tron treated gas last?

 

[Ron 73]

The last i heard S A N was saying there trying now to put 15% in the gas and goes on to explain it wont just affect our type of cars but throw off emissions test, and what it will do to injectors and such. The study on it was supposed to be done by mid year, I haven't heard anything recently but imagine it wont be to our benefit.

 

[70rr-brian]

The last i heard S A N was saying there trying now to put 15% in the gas and goes on to explain it wont just affect our type of cars but throw off emissions test, and what it will do to injectors and such. The study on it was supposed to be done by mid year, I haven't heard anything recently but imagine it wont be to our benefit.

If the People's Republic of California had their way we would all be strung up for crimes against the environment.

 

[rlsbee]

I've been using Sta-bil. It used to make junk regular last for well over a year but not so long with the ethanol crap. How long does the Star Tron treated gas last?

I honestly don't know how long it will last. I make it a regular addition to a can(s) of gas, which usually gets used up in a month. My John Deere dealer also recommends it (even before he started selling it). I know I had a couple of problems with the diaphragms between the carb and gas tank on small mower engines. No problems since using it.

 

[YY1]

Back in the 80's in Ohio, there were sevral stations that sold 10% ethanol. They usually had dark orange signs. They were usually about 10% less price per gallon too. Being young and poor, I put quite a bit of that stuff in several cars and never had any problems. That's when I first heard about replacing rubber o rings with neoprene to avoid the ethanol eating them or making them swell. Never did it, though...and lived to tell.

 

[Gpuller]

Been running the same Carter mechanical fuel pump on my Charger for 20 years with no problems. I believe Minnesota has had 10% Ethanol since '94.

 

[RT4ever]

Does anyone know where I can get a Viton diaphragm for my small block mechanical fuel pump instead of paying for the whole pump referenced above?

 

[Moparsmitty]

In the mid 80s the manufacturers of fuel hoses, pumps, carbs etc. went to a new formula rubber that is more resistant to ethanol and other chemicals that are in almost all motor fuels these days. That's not to say that you won't ever have any trouble with the newer stuff but it is much better than the old formula rubber that may still be on some older cars. Any rubber parts in your fuel or brake systems that are older than 10 or 15 years should probably be replaced anyway.

 

[1toolguy]

Fuel pump problem probably not. Fuel line problem defininetly! Swap your rubber fuel lines to fuel injection line (SAE30R9). After exposure to ethanol the old SAE30R7 hoses soften over time and the fuel pump feed lines will collapse under heavy acceleration leading to a fuel starvation problem.

Check out this "tech tip" from Gates: http://www.gates.com/common/downloads/files/Gates/brochure/TechTipsForm.pdf