Miata Mailing List: September 1992, Message #32
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   From: (none)
Subject: Gasahol
   Date: (none)

>From:	MCDEV1::IN%"sasmjw@unx.sas.com" 14-SEP-1992 14:05:00.77
>To:	IN%"miata@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu"
>CC:	
>Subj:	Miatas and gasoho

>A few of the counties around here are going to be switched totally to
>gasohol in November.  Is this likely to cause any problems, given that
>the Miata seems to be sensitive to fuel choices?

>I see two potential problems:

>1) Damage.  Unlikely, I guess.

>2) Drivability.  (The winters are cold enough here that premium is not
>a good fuel choice.  Will that make a difference?)

>I'm sure some of you have tried gasohol in your cars, through choice
>or coercion...?

>Martyn
>--------------sasmjw@unx.sas.com----(Martyn Wheeler)----DoD #293--------------
>SAS Institute, Inc: (919) 677-8000 ext.7954    H: (919) 839-0092 (Raleigh, NC)

According to the owners manual, as long as the gasahol is an ethanol
blend (most are) and the ethanol is not more than 10%, it is OK
(read--won't void the warranty) Also sez... NEVER use METHANOL.

I will on extreme ocassions use ethanol blends. I can count the
number of times on one hand, one time in the Miata, maybe three
times in the 323. At least that I know of. Most gas stations will
post they have Gasohol or "Fuel contains 10% Ethanol." Legend
has it that some stations fill up their holding tanks with whatever
is cheapest from the distribution area, sometimes it is real gas
sometimes it is Gasahol. 

I've heard that some of the premiums aren't recommended because
the way they boost the Octane number with ethanol. Is this true,
and the reason why Miata's don't need the expensive stuff?

Kris Eckols
Lilly Research Laboratories
'81 RX-7, '87 323, '92 SUNBURST YELLOW MIATA :).

From: ECKOLS T KRIS                 (MCVAX0::RX80640)

To:   VMS MAIL ADDRESSEE            (IN::"miata@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu")