Date:         Sat, 18 Nov 2000 07:34:28 -0600
Reply-To:     Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Ethanol & fuel system parts
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Volks,
    I use ethanol blended gas regularly in my vans and bus with good
results. It keeps the fuel system clean and removes deposits from the
system. Our van and bus fuel delivery system is designed such that all
injectors are open for the same duration. If one injector is partially
clogged it will deliver less fuel to its cylinder. On all usa vanagons
except air cooled nationals the ecu sets the mixture such that the exhaust
from all cylinders added together has the correct amount of o2. We end up
with one cylinder running lean and 3 running rich. Max power from our wasser
boxer engines is developed when all cylinders have the exact same mixture.
This can only be accomplished with a clean properly operating fuel delivery
system. Imho an ethanol blend helps with this quest.
     Yes the first tank full of ethanol blend will clean out the tank, fuel
lines, fuel pump etc. If the van has been sitting idle for an extended time
there can be built up deposits in the tanks particularly. Be prepared to
maybe change the fuel filter in this case.  If you add a jug / can of fuel
injector cleaner to your tank it cleans the system in the same manner. A van
that has been on the road continuously will not have a problem with our
midwestern gasohol. As always Larry and Tony ymmv.
Darrell
Makanda Illinois

ps. I am the son of a midwestern corn growing farmer.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Hill" <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 5:39 AM
Subject: Ethanol & fuel system parts


>         Regarding ethanol in gasoline:
>
>         I have used fuel containing 10% ethanol in all of my Vanagons for
the
> past 10 years and longer with absolutely no problems whatever caused by
> this fuel.  I live in Iowa, the midwest of the USA, and this fuel is
> available at nearly every gas pump, offered at 89 to 90 octane for the
> same price as 87 octane. It is really the highest selling fuel on the
> market here.  It works great and has advantages.  There is never a
> frozen fuel line when you use this.  The cleaning properties of the
> ethanol keep the tank and fuel lines free from varnish, and cut down
> deposits on fuel injectors and on the cylinder heads, valves, and
> pistons.  There seem to be no bad effects whatsoever.  Furthermore, it's
> a bio-fuel, a renewable energy source, and can be produced cheaply from
> all sorts of biomass.  We don't have to import it, or defend the
> availability.
>
>         Don't be afraid to use it in your Vanagon.
>
>         I should probably state that I am a farmer, and have a vested
interest
> in the use of ethanol as a fuel.
>
> Chuck Hill
>