University Motors Limited, Ada, Michigan

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Goldstar Products

6490 East Fulton
Ada, Michigan 49301
616.682.0800

Affects of Ethanol

I am a long time owner of many MGBs and my current one is a '65 tourer. Over the years I have had its engine, transmission, and other bits and pieces rebuilt. I do most of the "easy" work myself like changing the thermostat from winter to summer, etc., but rely upon a terrific local shop, Motorhead, ltd. to take care of the "hard" stuff.

I'm writing to seek your advice on the affects of ethanol in gasoline on MGBs. As I'm sure you are aware, parts of the country have started using the 10% ethanol mixture in the local gasoline. I've been reading on the web some disconcerting comments about how the ethanol mixture will be a problem for older cars that have carburetors, rubber seals, and hoses.

http://www.aaamidatlantic.com/automotive/carbuying/articles.asp?aid=24
I've read both sides of the discussions, am totally confused, and would like your take on the situation. I usually add an octane boostser and dry gas once or twice a year to my fuel. My present MGB isn't my daily driver but I use it quite regularly on clear, dry days, year-around, so the fuel is "changed" on a consistent basis.

What do you think?

Of course, ethanol does not contain the same number of BTU's, gallon for gallon, as does "real" gasoline. But so far the only problem that we've encounted with our MGs is the gross expansion of rubber gaskets. Fortunately, there are not many of these within the fuel system. There are some rubber gaskets inside the fuel pump, but they've not been a problem at all. The rubber O ring that seals the sending unit against the tank on the MGB has not been a problem. The only snags we've hit are with the aftermarket rubber sending unit gaskets for the T type, MGA, and early MGB.

So, as far as it goes right now, we've seen no downside (except mileage) to the addition of ethanol to the gasoline.