Miata Mailing List: October 1992, Message #12
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   From: (none)
Subject: gasahol
   Date: (none)

I was surprised to see a new sign on the pump at the local
ARCO indicating that their gasoline is now 10% ethanol.  Before
I filled up I checked the manual and it said that up to 10%
ethanol is ok. But it then went on to describe the problems
that can be caused by gasahol (hard starting, poor drivability)
and warned about "fuel system damage". All these warnings kind of
counteracted the earlier statement so I filled up at Texaco
instead, but the cost was $1.259/gal vs $1.129/gal at Arco for
regular unleaded (Chevron, Texaco and 76 don't compete on price
with Arco and BP, but BP's gas has a bad reputation among some
people).

Anyway before I start paying 12 cents a gallon more for gas I
thought I'd ask some questions of the net: Has anyone here used gasahol
in their Miata?  Have you had any of the drivability problems mentioned 
in the manual?  Any damage as a result?

BTW: Our gas here (Seattle) will be oxigenated after November 1st
to lower emmisions.  I think this is the first time this has been 
done here, though it is common in California and elsewhere.

- Alan