can you use ethanol??

[panda[cRx]]

We get a fair few ethanol queries at work so i thought i'd be helpful and post a list of 'ethanol-OK' cars as recommended by Honda Australia.

The following Honda vehicles may be operated using fuel containing up to 10% ethanol (E10)


Accord - 2003 onwards
Accord Euro - 2003 onwards
Civic (including Hybrid) - 2004 onwards
CR-V - 2003 onwards
Integra - 2002 onwards
Jazz - 2004 onwards
MDX - 2003 onwards
Odyssey - 2004 onward
S2000 - 2004 onwards
Other Honda vehicles were not designed or tested with E10 and therefore the long-term effects are not proven.

Ethanol contains less energy value than petrol. In theory, some loss of power and fuel economy (possibly 2-3%) may occur when using E10.

In all the cars listed you should actually find a sticker on your fuel door with an 'E10' on it indicating up to 10% ethanol is ok (i believe 10% is also the limit under Australian law)

source: Honda Australia

[funkdr]

So when it comes to using shells 100 octane with 5% ethanol should i be worried with my 91 carby

cheers

[Limbo]

reason is that previously all hondas were not designed to run ethanol as it can damage seals. The new vehicles have their seals designed so that they can run ethanol without an issue.

Honda Aust replied to me in an email not to use ethanol on my car.

if you have a problem just run the 98 optimax

[EuroDude]

lol ive never noticed the E10 sticker on the euro

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4682/image12jn.jpg

[panda[cRx]]

i only just realised it myself about 6 weeks ago

[Slow96GSR]

The issue is the injectors and seals. They can be destroyed with long term use. Injectors are expensive but seals tend to be cheap. You can get injectors that can run ethanol from RC or Magneti-Marelli and the seals are just an upgrade you can get from any performance shop. Running it a few times a year won't destroy anything but it isn't recommended. I'd be more worried about running leaded in my car!

[davecash]

I've used ethanol in my 06 civic for the last couple of tanks. Find that its runs very well on ethanol no loss in power as far as i can tell. the fuel economy tends to be slightly worse than using the regular 95

[Limbo]

The seals may be cheap but are a pain to change all your fuel seals!
P.S what about engine seals? does it affect them as the fuel does need to go in and combust in the block?

[joyride]

HPI mag did an article on the use of E10 and they gave a thumbs up. its in issue 60. the red cover with the sil80 on the front.