Stupid ethanol!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 316
Likes: 54
From: North Alabama
Looking at the first picture, the o-ring has been cut "off center" from it not being installed squarely which caused the leak. But I do agree, ethanol is awful on older rubber fuel lines and o-rings.
I had a problem with my boat motor not turning the rpms that it should easily turn and after checking and replacing all of the obvious things and even having the whole powerhead completely rebuilt only to still be chasing the same issue, I pulled the injectors and sent them to Brucato... they were horrible from little flakes of fuel line caught in them. 2 injectors were flooding at idle and 4 injectors wouldn't flow WOT. This is with three filters/screens in the fuel system. I have since replaced the fuel lines again with PTFE steel braided lines rated for ALL fuels that we use on race cars. Methanol, E-85, leaded race fuels, even nitro blends.
I had a problem with my boat motor not turning the rpms that it should easily turn and after checking and replacing all of the obvious things and even having the whole powerhead completely rebuilt only to still be chasing the same issue, I pulled the injectors and sent them to Brucato... they were horrible from little flakes of fuel line caught in them. 2 injectors were flooding at idle and 4 injectors wouldn't flow WOT. This is with three filters/screens in the fuel system. I have since replaced the fuel lines again with PTFE steel braided lines rated for ALL fuels that we use on race cars. Methanol, E-85, leaded race fuels, even nitro blends.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 678
Likes: 60
From: Albany, NY
Try, www.pure-gas.org
I hear arguments on both sides if it is necessary or not but it seems when I mention that I use ethanol free gas to seasoned riders and mechanics they nod their heads in agreement so I'll stick with it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 910
From: Omaha
No offense but can you provide any documentation that "ethanol is Bad Juju"?
I've been hearing this for years but have seen no studies that back up the claim.
If someone can produce any type of significant evidence that ethanol harms engines I'll love to see that.
Before people start slamming me; I'm not saying it's not bad for engines, I'm just saying I've never seen any evidence that it is.
Last edited by Bluraven; Aug 3, 2016 at 09:31 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,068
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
No offense but can you provide any documentation that "ethanol is Bad Juju"?
I've been hearing this for years but have seen no studies that back up the claim.
If someone can produce any type of significant evidence that ethanol harms engines I'll love to see that.
Before people start slamming me; I'm not saying it's not bad for engines, I'm just saying I've never seen any evidence that it is.
I've been hearing this for years but have seen no studies that back up the claim.
If someone can produce any type of significant evidence that ethanol harms engines I'll love to see that.
Before people start slamming me; I'm not saying it's not bad for engines, I'm just saying I've never seen any evidence that it is.
... for starters!
Ethanol attacks and destroys components in the fuel system ( especially rubber/neoprene ) and using it can/will lead to component failures. Check with the AMA and read about their fight to ban 15% ethanol ....
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are engineered, designed, and manufactured to run 10% ethanol fuel. On EFI motors the ECM comes from the factory set for 10% ethanol. All o-rings, gaskets, seals and other components that come in contact with fuel are manufactured from materials designed to be used with ethanol fuels.
It is ridiculous on its face to state that using fuel the motor is designed to use damages the motor.
It is ridiculous on its face to state that using fuel the motor is designed to use damages the motor.
