Ethanol:

[Old Fart]

I just wanted to throw this out for comments concerning Ethanol in today's fuel which we consumers are buying in North America .Here in Canada all fuels have at least 10% of ethanol in their systems. Presently I have had to replace my fuel tank sensor on my GSA,and after talking to the technician I came back with this feeling that this supplement isn't really the best for all types of motorized vehicles or bikes. I then did a study to located service stations that didn't have ethanol in their high grade octane. Only one states they have no ethanol in their premium select, and that being "Shell". My last question is what is available south of us (US) if the majority of riders don't necessarily like or trust the E word?
So If I need to be corrected,views and comments are appreciated

[pdxrmccgs]

At least in Oregon we seem to be stuck with 10% ethanol with the
exception of a few outlets that seem to be few and far between. The
R and K bikes seem to handle it pretty good as far as the starting
and running arguably because they can change timing instantly with electronics
and feed back circuits.

Gossip has it that BMW says 10% is O.K. re warranty stuff which causes
some concern as the eco folks are pushing for 15%. The issues around
degrading seals, fittings, tanks etc. seem to be problamatic...your
thinking on your pump problems may be correct. Also, some guys who
have done mileage testing report a loss of a few percent with the
ethanol.

BTW in the last year or so there are quite a few eye opening videos posted
on youtube about the effects of E10 and its reaction with water. Maybe some SEA FOAM or STA-BIL
buffs will post up their thinking.

[terryofperry]

What year is your GSA?

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

Terry

[marc]

Ethanol as a cause of fuel sensor failures sounds great until you do a little bit of digging. Fuel sensors fail in places of the world that do not use ethanol. In places like California where ALL gas contains ethanol fuel sensor failures are not endemic; they may not even be all that common.

I suspect the issue is one of gas quality. Some places have pretty good quality control for whatever reason. In California the reason may be the testing performed by the California Dept of Food and Agriculture. Don't know.

If you are having issues get an Ethanol Fuel Test Kit and actually measure the ethanol content. Some have found levels way above the 10% written on the pump. If you find such crap don't put it in your vehicle.

[roamingbeemer]

What does everyone think of my habit to add a pinch of STP injector cleaner to every 2nd fillup. I have done that with my 650 twin for 11000 miles and I have not had any of the issues many attribute to the E10. A pinch is about 1 oz for every 2 or 3 US gallons so not alot. I also use the BMW fuel stabilizer when I am away for weeks at a time. I plan to do the same with the new 1200. What do you guys think? Am I crazy?

[EJ_92606]

BMW techs have been blaming ethanol for a lot of woes, but fact is both BMW cars and bikes have a long history of fuel system problems that pre-date the introduction of ethanol. BMW needs to hire some fuel system engineers from the competition as they have a serious deficiency in that department in my opinion.

[Old Fart]

My GSA is 2008. I also have other BMW vehicles and haven't had any problems with them. The idea of a kit to check on the % of ethanol sounds like a good investment. I appreciate the comments and hope they keep coming.

[terryofperry]

I had five (5) fuel strips replaced in under a year on my 2009 RT. All under warranty but 250 mile round trip on my dime and 5 vacation days. While they were replacing the 5th one I test rode a 2011 GSA and rode the GSA home but not until I confirmed it had a float, not a strip. All of the research I did on the European sites leads me to agree with Marc, it is not Ethanol. That is a cop out. If it were Ethanol there would be a lot more failures and none in countries not using Ethanol. That is not the case. Good luck on yours, it is hit and miss, some work, some don't.

Terry

[ca1ic0cat]

I have to agree that ethanol is a red herring for all street vehicles. All the power equipment (chain saws and the like, and most boats with older engines) are saying to use 89 grade (US) and add an ethanol treatment to combat damage from the water that the ethanol attracts. That is especially true for an engine that isn't going to be run regularly.

But claims from BMW techs about ethanol - horsefeathers, IMHO. But I'm starting to wonder why anyone would use a bike as a commuting tool in NY any more. Between the valve adjustments, fluid changes, suspension repairs, etc. it's becoming obvious that bikes aren't designed with the longevity of a car in the plan. I don't know why not. There is something really wrong with how motorcycle owners are viewed. I look at the bike as a vehicle, not a luxury. Apparently I am mistaken.

[pdxrmccgs]

Here is some ethanol stuff from a guy who seems to no what he is talking about:

Fuel School: Phase Separation in Ethanol Blended Gasoline