Ethanol Mixture: To Blame?

From: Tom
Subject: Ethanol

Bobby,

How about some more discussion on ethanol? I have a ‘91 Cadillac Seville, 105,000 miles, 4.9 engines, supposed to have 93 octane. I drive this car almost daily, but only 2-3 miles. Recently, it’s had a new fuel filter and air cleaner, and the injectors were cleaned 60 days ago. Plugs have about 40,000 miles on them.

I have been using 91 octane without problems, but within the last month or so, when I start it, the idle is really low (500 rpm) for a brief (5 seconds) time, then it picks up to normal (675+ rpm). Occasionally, it might die when I slow to a stop, when the engine is cold. Yesterday, it needed throttle to start and keep running. I just found out that most of the Tulsa gas stations started using a 10% ethanol blend about 60 days ago. They apparently are not required by law to disclose this, and haven't.

Would this new gasoline blend cause enough octane drops to cause this problem?

Thanks for the great program and for your help.

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Tom,

Whoever suggested that the Tulsa station just started their 10% ethanol blend 60 days ago is mistaken. Ethanol has been used in fuels for the past 5 years— more so today than before—but all states do not require pump disclosure. An E10 mixture (90% gasoline/10% ethanol) should not cause the problems you're experiencing. In fact, ethanol is a solvent and actually cleans the system as you drive. I believe you'll find your car has a problem with its idle speed controller and also a bit of carbon buildup on valves and inside intake plenum and around injector tips. Take a look at my 10 Most Wanted Car Killers and you'll get the proper story and information that you need for next steps to correct this situation.

Although you said your injectors had been cleaned, I am curious as to how thoroughly the procedure was done and whether or not the shop that cleaned the system used BG chemistry. BG 44K® should have been added to the tank after cleaning as well.

Then go to www.BGfindashop.com to locate a shop near you that provides the BG chemistry.

Best,
Bobby Likis