Winter Fuel Formula question
12-02-2007, 01:36 PM
#6
the winter formula is mostly just a change in the ethanol content. more ethanol gives you less milage. separation shouldnt be a problem unless your in crazy cold temps and never move the vehicle for months. this site says 90 day shelf life for gas with ethanol.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_...ecautions.html
the ethanol doesnt separate itself, but when it absords water and moisture from the gas tank, it will begin to separate from the gas because water and gas dont mix. so basically, drive you car and you should be fine.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_...ecautions.html
the ethanol doesnt separate itself, but when it absords water and moisture from the gas tank, it will begin to separate from the gas because water and gas dont mix. so basically, drive you car and you should be fine.
12-02-2007, 01:53 PM
#7
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the winter formula is mostly just a change in the ethanol content. more ethanol gives you less milage. separation shouldnt be a problem unless your in crazy cold temps and never move the vehicle for months. this site says 90 day shelf life for gas with ethanol.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_...ecautions.html
the ethanol doesnt separate itself, but when it absords water and moisture from the gas tank, it will begin to separate from the gas because water and gas dont mix. so basically, drive you car and you should be fine.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_...ecautions.html
the ethanol doesnt separate itself, but when it absords water and moisture from the gas tank, it will begin to separate from the gas because water and gas dont mix. so basically, drive you car and you should be fine.
I've asked several people in my area the following question without giving them any details why beforehand:
"Do you get better gas mileage in the first half of your tank, or 2nd?"
They ALL answered the same.
"Funny you ask. Ever since its gotten colder, I get great mileage for the first half of a full tank, and then the second half (according the gauge) is horrible"
My Volvo seems to be that way, my gf's 96 Maxima seems to be that way. ETC ETC. Both our cars slowly drop according to the gauge to about the halfway mark or slightly more. Then drop like a stone for the rest of the tank. How you can get 200+ miles on the first half of the tank, and then 100mpg for the 2nd have, blows my mind.
So I think the lighter additive floats on top to an extent, and the faster burning ethanol ends up being the majority of whats in the tank towards the end.
12-02-2007, 02:33 PM
#8
if you notice when your tank is full. the meter is slightly above the highest mark on the fuel gauge. there was one time where ive driven my max to the very bottom of the fuel gauge. i refilled at about 16.x gallons. there was another gallon to go. but i didnt want to risk it or put that extra strain on my fuel pump. i was at about 360 miles. if i had pushed it, i woulda got 380-400
Last edited by Max Noob; 12-02-2007 at 02:37 PM.
12-02-2007, 05:07 PM
#9
I usually get 420-430 miles per the tank and i always leave a gallon in there because i don't want to risk it. The guages work like that in almost every car, and about 90% of those miles are highway miles so that might be the reason. 
12-02-2007, 05:42 PM
#10
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Location: Silicon Valley
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here's why I have this theory.
I've asked several people in my area the following question without giving them any details why beforehand:
"Do you get better gas mileage in the first half of your tank, or 2nd?"
They ALL answered the same.
"Funny you ask. Ever since its gotten colder, I get great mileage for the first half of a full tank, and then the second half (according the gauge) is horrible"
My Volvo seems to be that way, my gf's 96 Maxima seems to be that way. ETC ETC. Both our cars slowly drop according to the gauge to about the halfway mark or slightly more. Then drop like a stone for the rest of the tank. How you can get 200+ miles on the first half of the tank, and then 100mpg for the 2nd have, blows my mind.
So I think the lighter additive floats on top to an extent, and the faster burning ethanol ends up being the majority of whats in the tank towards the end.
I've asked several people in my area the following question without giving them any details why beforehand:
"Do you get better gas mileage in the first half of your tank, or 2nd?"
They ALL answered the same.
"Funny you ask. Ever since its gotten colder, I get great mileage for the first half of a full tank, and then the second half (according the gauge) is horrible"
My Volvo seems to be that way, my gf's 96 Maxima seems to be that way. ETC ETC. Both our cars slowly drop according to the gauge to about the halfway mark or slightly more. Then drop like a stone for the rest of the tank. How you can get 200+ miles on the first half of the tank, and then 100mpg for the 2nd have, blows my mind.
So I think the lighter additive floats on top to an extent, and the faster burning ethanol ends up being the majority of whats in the tank towards the end.
Last edited by SVI30; 12-02-2007 at 05:49 PM.
12-02-2007, 09:05 PM
#12
lol
and ya your whole theory is ridiculous, thats just how fuel gauges work, they read more gas than what you actually have until about the half way mark then they drop quickly to the amount you actually have. havent you ever noticed that your fuel gauge will read completely full for the first 100 miles then by the time you get to 125 you are at 3/4 full?
based on your theory if i fill up every 100 miles i should never burn any gas...but then why am i filling up?!?!?
...its all a conspiracy
and ya your whole theory is ridiculous, thats just how fuel gauges work, they read more gas than what you actually have until about the half way mark then they drop quickly to the amount you actually have. havent you ever noticed that your fuel gauge will read completely full for the first 100 miles then by the time you get to 125 you are at 3/4 full?
based on your theory if i fill up every 100 miles i should never burn any gas...but then why am i filling up?!?!?
...its all a conspiracy
Last edited by black_maxed95; 12-02-2007 at 09:09 PM.
12-03-2007, 05:21 AM
#15
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Regardless of whether my theory was right or wrong - I was only asking.
The one word answer "no" from an online forum doesnt exactly provide any facts to back up the statement, so obviously I'd ask how they know.
On the other hand however, you were wrong when you said the only change for winter fuel was in Diesel.
So Im not sure what you're grasping at
The one word answer "no" from an online forum doesnt exactly provide any facts to back up the statement, so obviously I'd ask how they know.
On the other hand however, you were wrong when you said the only change for winter fuel was in Diesel.
So Im not sure what you're grasping at
Last edited by JoshBarber; 12-03-2007 at 07:15 AM.
12-03-2007, 07:59 AM
#16
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12-03-2007, 08:20 AM
#18
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Man the gas has the same amount of everything as summer accept i know that in the northern states where we have a real winter.....they have a anti freezing additive that they put in for you know what. and I think the reason why you get worse mileage is because it is cold out and it is harder for your engine to work. just a thought but that is what I was always taught.
12-03-2007, 08:22 AM
#19
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That was a GOOD response to the fact that you drive a Volvo.
Funny you said that.
Funny you said that.
12-03-2007, 08:25 AM
#20
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Man the gas has the same amount of everything as summer accept i know that in the northern states where we have a real winter.....they have a anti freezing additive that they put in for you know what. and I think the reason why you get worse mileage is because it is cold out and it is harder for your engine to work. just a thought but that is what I was always taught.
(btw - proud to own a volvo, and proud of my 300zx as well)
Hot Wax Tree - you're partially correct.
you do get worse mileage due to the actual temps during the winter.
mainly because it takes longer for your car to reach operating temp - which means its sending a richer fuel mixture more often.
partially because tires tend to lose pressure.
partially because you tend to use your heater motor, defroster more often, etc etc.
but the main reason in the northern states, is due to the additive.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker.
Read up here: http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/PICS/winterGas/winterGas.html
Last edited by JoshBarber; 12-03-2007 at 08:32 AM.
12-03-2007, 08:50 AM
#22
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Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,044
Avoiding the idiot that just keeps proving his ignorance....
(btw - proud to own a volvo, and proud of my 300zx as well)
Hot Wax Tree - you're partially correct.
you do get worse mileage due to the actual temps during the winter.
mainly because it takes longer for your car to reach operating temp - which means its sending a richer fuel mixture more often.
partially because tires tend to lose pressure.
partially because you tend to use your heater motor, defroster more often, etc etc.
but the main reason in the northern states, is due to the additive.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker.
Read up here: http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/PICS/winterGas/winterGas.html
(btw - proud to own a volvo, and proud of my 300zx as well)
Hot Wax Tree - you're partially correct.
you do get worse mileage due to the actual temps during the winter.
mainly because it takes longer for your car to reach operating temp - which means its sending a richer fuel mixture more often.
partially because tires tend to lose pressure.
partially because you tend to use your heater motor, defroster more often, etc etc.
but the main reason in the northern states, is due to the additive.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker.
Read up here: http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/PICS/winterGas/winterGas.html
12-03-2007, 09:59 AM
#24
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Location: Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
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" but the main reason in the northern states, is due to the additive.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker. " ? ? ?
Where did you get that info ? I don't believe the additives burn quicker . . . it all flows thru the same plumbing. The article says they would burn stronger . . give more power; so theoretically you would get better mileage, unless you add alcohol 'anti-freezes' which would dilute since alcohol has much less energy.
Maybe you should give up extrapolating if you can't understand the article.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker. " ? ? ?
Where did you get that info ? I don't believe the additives burn quicker . . . it all flows thru the same plumbing. The article says they would burn stronger . . give more power; so theoretically you would get better mileage, unless you add alcohol 'anti-freezes' which would dilute since alcohol has much less energy.
Maybe you should give up extrapolating if you can't understand the article.
12-03-2007, 10:25 AM
#25
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" but the main reason in the northern states, is due to the additive.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker. " ? ? ?
Where did you get that info ? I don't believe the additives burn quicker . . . it all flows thru the same plumbing. The article says they would burn stronger . . give more power; so theoretically you would get better mileage, unless you add alcohol 'anti-freezes' which would dilute since alcohol has much less energy.
Maybe you should give up extrapolating if you can't understand the article.
they put more more alcohol, which burns quicker. " ? ? ?
Where did you get that info ? I don't believe the additives burn quicker . . . it all flows thru the same plumbing. The article says they would burn stronger . . give more power; so theoretically you would get better mileage, unless you add alcohol 'anti-freezes' which would dilute since alcohol has much less energy.
Maybe you should give up extrapolating if you can't understand the article.
another one talking out his ***.
for those interested in the truth, look up the facts on Ethanol verses Gasoline.
Ethanol contails approx. 34% less energy per unit than regular Gasoline. This would equate to 34% less mpg. In the grand scheme of things, its not a GIANT decrease if your gas is only 10% ethanol, but you'll still notice a loss in mileage.
Last edited by JoshBarber; 12-03-2007 at 10:32 AM.
12-03-2007, 10:43 AM
#26
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Posts: 164
Josh, I'm with you about less energy in ethanol compared to gasoline. Ethanol in the gas tank as a gasoline substitute (like E85) is a conspiracy to raise our food prices for the benefit of the few who lobby for subsidies. 
Blending a small amount of ethanol in gasoline as a purposeful additive is fine in my book.
Blending a small amount of ethanol in gasoline as a purposeful additive is fine in my book.
12-03-2007, 10:46 AM
#27
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Josh, I'm with you about less energy in ethanol compared to gasoline. Ethanol in the gas tank as a gasoline substitute (like E85) is a conspiracy to raise our food prices for the benefit of the few who lobby for subsidies.
Blending a small amount of ethanol in gasoline as a purposeful additive is fine in my book.
Blending a small amount of ethanol in gasoline as a purposeful additive is fine in my book.
12-03-2007, 11:46 AM
#28
ethanol definately has less energy per unit than regular pure gas. If you read about cars that run on E85, they average significantly less milage when using e85 as with regular e10 GAS. i cant verify the 34% difference, but i rememeber it was a significant drop off from a report on gas i did a while back.
lmao. settle down..you were wrong...let it go
12-03-2007, 12:04 PM
#31
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ethanol definately has less energy per unit than regular pure gas. If you read about cars that run on E85, they average significantly less milage when using e85 as with regular e10 GAS. i cant verify the 34% difference, but i rememeber it was a significant drop off from a report on gas i did a while back.
12-03-2007, 01:39 PM
#32
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12-03-2007, 02:22 PM
#33
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Fast Eddie, told me that I "can't read" and to "**** off" and "shut the F up" - and I'm the one you're pointing out.
Maybe the two of you need to learn to think before you type, or at the very least...admit when you make stupid comments that are so obviously incorrect. Otherwise you just continue to make yourself look dumb.
You with your comment about winter fuels only applying to "diesels" and him with telling me that ethanol doesnt burn quicker than gasoline. Keep up the good work of misinforming...
Last edited by JoshBarber; 12-03-2007 at 02:29 PM.
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