Miata Mailing List: December 1993, Message #187
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   From: meek@me.mech.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Texaco - Ethanol vs. MBTE
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 13:40:37 -0500

>I noticed the following in what appears to be the premier issue of the 
>newsletter for the Peak to Peak Miata Club out of Boulder:
>
>	"Texaco uses Ethanol and should be avoided during [winter] months."
>
>My questions are:
>	1) Is this a fact?  I thought Texaco used MBTE. 
>
>	2) Evidently, Ethanol causes breakdown of the varnish that tends to
>	   line a fuel tank. This, in turn, can clog injectors. If this is the
>	   case, why would a major brand of gasoline sell such a product?
>
>	3) I've been using Texaco almost exclusively for the past two years and
>	   have not noticed any ill effects. Should I be concerned?
>
>	4) What is the common wisdom concerning keeping injectors clog-free?
>	   I've heard some folks have had success with Chevron 
>	   Technosomethingorother.
>


What it may be is "oxygenated" fuel.  This is required in many areas for
air pollution control during winter.  (It is here.)  Ethanol is added for
the "oxygenating".  I've never had problems with any car with this fuel,
though, my Miata is packed away until spring and doesn't get this gas. 
Your gas milage will drop slightly because your oxygen sensor on the engine
will get a slightly false reading and enrichen the mixture.

Sandy


Sanford Meek
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
University of Utah
Amateur radio:  KB7YSQ
meek@me.mech.utah.edu