Gas confusion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Notes · 08-14-2020, 11:50 AM

'72 C10 with a 350. Mild cam. Located in Iowa (lots of ethanol) What gas should I use?

68Gold/white · 08-14-2020, 12:01 PM

If possible, use non ethanol, if not use the smallest percentage of ethanol gas, as possible. The insides of carburetors and rubber hoses, do NOT do well when exposed to ethanol...

If you have a quadrajet carb, Cliff sells ethanol resistant parts (www.cliffshighperformance.com)

**MJN** · 08-14-2020, 12:04 PM

Here in Iowa too- I run non-ethanol in all my small engines and in my older vehicles. Usually Kwik Star has it in Premium only and possibly Casey's as well but I haven't been to one lately. I've ran the E-10 without an issue but run that out before storing for any period of time.

ltdmstr · 08-14-2020, 12:05 PM

Pretty sure federal mandate is a minimum 10% ethanol nationwide. I haven't seen non-ethanol blend anywhere in the midwest for a long time. As for regular, premium, etc., my stock '70 350 has 120k miles and runs fine on 87 octane. I would avoid E85 and others blends that are more than 10% ethanol. Although those are usually less expensive, you're milage will be lower, and the added alcohol can cause problems.

Notes · 08-14-2020, 01:33 PM

It was suggested that I use premium, not for the octane but because it has a lesser amount of ethanol. Not sure if that's correct. I haven't checked, but wonder if the percentage of ethanol is displayed on the pumps.

**truckster** · 08-14-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notes

It was suggested that I use premium, not for the octane but because it has a lesser amount of ethanol. Not sure if that's correct. I haven't checked, but wonder if the percentage of ethanol is displayed on the pumps.

Premium has the same ethanol content. The only thing that changes are the additives.

57taskforce · 08-14-2020, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltdmstr

Pretty sure federal mandate is a minimum 10% ethanol nationwide. I haven't seen non-ethanol blend anywhere in the midwest for a long time. As for regular, premium, etc., my stock '70 350 has 120k miles and runs fine on 87 octane. I would avoid E85 and others blends that are more than 10% ethanol. Although those are usually less expensive, you're milage will be lower, and the added alcohol can cause problems.

This is not true. Could be a local or state mandate perhaps but I can certainly get real 100% premium here.

ltdmstr · 08-14-2020, 02:13 PM

Here's a summary.

**70cst** · 08-14-2020, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltdmstr

Here's a summary.

Nice write up ...

**MJN** · 08-14-2020, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notes

It was suggested that I use premium, not for the octane but because it has a lesser amount of ethanol. Not sure if that's correct. I haven't checked, but wonder if the percentage of ethanol is displayed on the pumps.

Just going off the pump labels at Kwik Star the premium says no ethanol and recreational fuel. The other pumps have labels with 10%, 15% and of course E-85.
https://www.kwiktrip.com/our-story/fuel

And if you can't make up your mind theres always this pump. This is at a station up in northern Minnesota.

**tdangle** · 08-14-2020, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN

Just going off the pump labels at Kwik Star the premium says no ethanol and recreational fuel. The other pumps have labels with 10%, 15% and of course E-85.
https://www.kwiktrip.com/our-story/fuel

And if you can't make up your mind theres always this pump. This is at a station up in northern Minnesota.

That's a lot of choices, Here in California most stations only have 2 pumps, 87 and 91. Some have a 3rd 89

OregonNed · 08-14-2020, 07:49 PM

Lucky to have a station with non ethanol premium nearby. Just bought some at $3.89 a gallon.

**FirstOwner69** · 08-14-2020, 08:35 PM

In Wisconsin I can get mid-grade (89) and premium (91) without ethanol at Fleet Farm. Their regular (87) has 10% ethanol. I use the 89 in lawnmowers, boats, chainsaws, etc., and the 91 in the truck and a couple cars that require premium.

LS short box · 08-14-2020, 08:57 PM

I run the no ethanol 91 octane in my hot rods. Paid $2.49 yesterday.

**Grumpy old man** · 08-14-2020, 09:40 PM

Here you go .

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TN

**LockDoc** · 08-14-2020, 09:55 PM

-
Most of the Casey's around here have regular unleaded, or 10% Ethanol. They are both 87 octane. We don't have anything more than 87% that I know of. I use the regular unleaded with an additive in all of my old cars and trucks.

LockDoc

Chuck A · 08-14-2020, 10:26 PM

I purchase ethanol free fuel at either the small airport or the marina near where I live. This is what I use in all of my carbureted engines and I’ve never had any issues with the build up of deposits associated with ethanol fuel. I store my motors with this fuel and never use any additives like Sta-bil. Price is usually $.50 to a dollar more then gas station ethanol fuel.

72c20customcamper · 08-15-2020, 09:21 AM

Like been said before use non ethonal if available. If not use some stabil every fill up. Ethonal like all alcohols love to absorb water. And it's hard on aluminum and rubber .

We have non ethonal gas around me so I use that in my traucks and carbed vehicles and small yard engines. The pumps here say up to 10% ethonal so it could have none or 10%. Haven't seen the 15% here in NY but I have in PA . E85 is available

68Gold/white · 08-15-2020, 01:20 PM

50 years ago my Dad was the proprietor of the Skelly Station at 903 Franklin (Was Highway 150 also, back then). Standard station was caddy corner fro my Dad's Station.

**jabborabbo** · 08-15-2020, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Here you go .

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TN

That’s it!!!!!!!

OregonNed · 08-15-2020, 08:24 PM

Another station started selling non ethanol just a mile away. Great to have 3 local choices.

**MJN** · 08-17-2020, 01:09 PM

I emailed Kwik Trip/Kwik Star directly about the ethanol content in the 91 Octane Premium- "At our locations, we have different blends of premium gasoline depending on the region the location is in."

"Both locations in Maquoketa are going to be Premium 91 Octane fuel with no ethanol added."

Looks like the BP in Center Point has 91 octane Ethanol-free

**lousyflyer** · 08-23-2020, 12:49 AM

Ethanol blended fuel. Brought to you by the folks that also brought you :

Daylight Savings Time

If our goverment ran a car wash, they would insist that vacuuming your carpet twice a day will make your engine run better.

mr48chev · 08-23-2020, 03:16 AM

Some Conoco stations here in the PNW have 91 Octane non ethanol and that is what I run in my boat and my small engines. I'll run it in my 71 with the 500 Cad when it hits the road too. The engine will need premium with the early heads.

72c20customcamper · 08-23-2020, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonNed

Lucky to have a station with non ethanol premium nearby. Just bought some at $3.89 a gallon.

I wont complain anymore about 2.69 a gallon for 91 non ethanol at Stewart's shops .

08-14-2020, 11:50 AM	#1
Notes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Center Point, Iowa Posts: 82	Gas confusion '72 C10 with a 350. Mild cam. Located in Iowa (lots of ethanol) What gas should I use?

08-14-2020, 12:01 PM	#2
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,271	Re: Gas confusion If possible, use non ethanol, if not use the smallest percentage of ethanol gas, as possible. The insides of carburetors and rubber hoses, do NOT do well when exposed to ethanol... If you have a quadrajet carb, Cliff sells ethanol resistant parts (www.cliffshighperformance.com)

08-14-2020, 12:04 PM	#3
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,958	Re: Gas confusion Here in Iowa too- I run non-ethanol in all my small engines and in my older vehicles. Usually Kwik Star has it in Premium only and possibly Casey's as well but I haven't been to one lately. I've ran the E-10 without an issue but run that out before storing for any period of time. __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

08-14-2020, 12:05 PM	#4
ltdmstr Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Deerfield IL Posts: 106	Re: Gas confusion Pretty sure federal mandate is a minimum 10% ethanol nationwide. I haven't seen non-ethanol blend anywhere in the midwest for a long time. As for regular, premium, etc., my stock '70 350 has 120k miles and runs fine on 87 octane. I would avoid E85 and others blends that are more than 10% ethanol. Although those are usually less expensive, you're milage will be lower, and the added alcohol can cause problems.

08-14-2020, 01:33 PM	#5
Notes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Center Point, Iowa Posts: 82	Re: Gas confusion It was suggested that I use premium, not for the octane but because it has a lesser amount of ethanol. Not sure if that's correct. I haven't checked, but wonder if the percentage of ethanol is displayed on the pumps.

08-14-2020, 02:13 PM	#8
ltdmstr Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Deerfield IL Posts: 106	Re: Gas confusion Here's a summary.

08-14-2020, 07:49 PM	#12
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Re: Gas confusion Lucky to have a station with non ethanol premium nearby. Just bought some at $3.89 a gallon. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop

08-14-2020, 08:35 PM	#13
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,838	Re: Gas confusion In Wisconsin I can get mid-grade (89) and premium (91) without ethanol at Fleet Farm. Their regular (87) has 10% ethanol. I use the 89 in lawnmowers, boats, chainsaws, etc., and the 91 in the truck and a couple cars that require premium. __________________ Jim

08-14-2020, 08:57 PM	#14
LS short box Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Carlos MN Posts: 1,914	Re: Gas confusion I run the no ethanol 91 octane in my hot rods. Paid $2.49 yesterday.

08-14-2020, 09:40 PM	#15
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Gas confusion Here you go . https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=TN Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

08-14-2020, 09:55 PM	#16
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,312	Re: Gas confusion - Most of the Casey's around here have regular unleaded, or 10% Ethanol. They are both 87 octane. We don't have anything more than 87% that I know of. I use the regular unleaded with an additive in all of my old cars and trucks. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

08-14-2020, 10:26 PM	#17
Chuck A Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 69	Re: Gas confusion I purchase ethanol free fuel at either the small airport or the marina near where I live. This is what I use in all of my carbureted engines and I’ve never had any issues with the build up of deposits associated with ethanol fuel. I store my motors with this fuel and never use any additives like Sta-bil. Price is usually $.50 to a dollar more then gas station ethanol fuel.

08-15-2020, 09:21 AM	#18
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,124	Re: Gas confusion Like been said before use non ethonal if available. If not use some stabil every fill up. Ethonal like all alcohols love to absorb water. And it's hard on aluminum and rubber . We have non ethonal gas around me so I use that in my traucks and carbed vehicles and small yard engines. The pumps here say up to 10% ethonal so it could have none or 10%. Haven't seen the 15% here in NY but I have in PA . E85 is available __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-15-2020, 01:20 PM	#19
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,271	Re: Gas confusion 50 years ago my Dad was the proprietor of the Skelly Station at 903 Franklin (Was Highway 150 also, back then). Standard station was caddy corner fro my Dad's Station.

08-15-2020, 08:24 PM	#21
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Re: Gas confusion Another station started selling non ethanol just a mile away. Great to have 3 local choices. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop



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08-17-2020, 01:09 PM	#22
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,958	Re: Gas confusion I emailed Kwik Trip/Kwik Star directly about the ethanol content in the 91 Octane Premium- "At our locations, we have different blends of premium gasoline depending on the region the location is in." "Both locations in Maquoketa are going to be Premium 91 Octane fuel with no ethanol added." Looks like the BP in Center Point has 91 octane Ethanol-free __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

08-23-2020, 12:49 AM	#23
lousyflyer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Garden City, GA Posts: 294	Re: Gas confusion Ethanol blended fuel. Brought to you by the folks that also brought you : Daylight Savings Time If our goverment ran a car wash, they would insist that vacuuming your carpet twice a day will make your engine run better.

08-23-2020, 03:16 AM	#24
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,262	Re: Gas confusion Some Conoco stations here in the PNW have 91 Octane non ethanol and that is what I run in my boat and my small engines. I'll run it in my 71 with the 500 Cad when it hits the road too. The engine will need premium with the early heads. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

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