[MINNOW]

OK, I know this is way short notice, and way off-peak season, but if anyone is up for a run to Kelowna / OK Falls area on October the 13th (yeah, I know it's Friday the 13th!) let me know as a friend and I are hitting some of the smaller wineries to stock up for the long winter ahead. (it's what the squirrels do, isn't it?)
I know you can just compose a wee email and click send, a few days later the cases would arrive by Purolator, but noooooo... we have to drive 20+ hours.
What about it, BritishSD, you've got family there, no? (mind, sometimes that's reason to stay away!)
Techie question time... being that my Cooper is non-force fed (unlike the S) and in the mountains there's less air for the engine to inhale, would it make any sense to fill up with the so called E-10 gas like Husky 94 octane which is at least 10% or maybe 15% ethanol? That's an oxygenated fuel, right? I was wondering if that might compensate somewhat for the less dense air at higher elevations.
Any miscellaneous ramblings or musings welcomed...

[faster,Tobias!]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINNOW (original)

Techie question time... being that my Cooper is non-force fed (unlike the S) and in the mountains there's less air for the engine to inhale, would it make any sense to fill up with the so called E-10 gas like Husky 94 octane which is at least 10% or maybe 15% ethanol? That's an oxygenated fuel, right? I was wondering if that might compensate somewhat for the less dense air at higher elevations.

Stay away from Ethanol blends - apparently they are responsible for the failure of more than a few MINI fuel pumps. I happened to be standing next the Service Manager and an advisor while they were discussing an issue with a customer's fuel-starved Mini. When the advisor stated that the car was regularly fueled at Mohawk, the manager told them the pump will be gone. Alarmingly, I have been using the 94 Octane Husky - but his advise? 'Ah, you're under warranty. Keep using until you need a new pump, then switch!'. I do believe he said that tongue in cheek.

[MINNOW]

Yeah, I wouldn't use the Husky 94 blend all the time, just wondered if there was any logic to the theory of oxygenated fuel helping out at high altitudes.
I have burned a few tanks of Husky 94 with possibly a "seat of the pants placebo effect" feeling that the car was a little more responsive. (the Son swears he can feel it, but I'm not convinced it's much more than placebo) I typically use Shell 91.
Thanks for the tip about possible fuel pump malady.

[MRC2K6]

Are the cleaner additives in Petro Canada 91 OK? Are they Ethanol or what?

[RS3TURN]

Quote: Originally Posted by MRC2K6 (original)

Are the cleaner additives in Petro Canada 91 OK? Are they Ethanol or what?

I asked the expert...My wife is a chemist, for a company that produces oil and gas additives.

Petro Canada supposedly uses Tactrol, but she did not offer an opinion on it.

Ethanol blended fuels will have more rust and corrosion due to the ethanol being more hydrophiliic. It will have less power than gasoline, so you would use more to get from point a to b. It has very good solvency, meaning that is would take all of the dirt and contaminate the fuel lines and tank....

Now isn't the federal gov't requiring all gas in Canada to contain 10% ethanol by the end of the decade?

[British SD]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINNOW (original)

anyone up for a run to Kelowna / OK Falls area on October the 13th we have to drive 20+ hours. What about it, BritishSD, you've got family there, no? (mind, sometimes that's reason to stay away!)

I do have Family in Peachland & Summerland and friends doted over the Oakey valley. but have a full calendar already for that weekend in town here.

Because of the light air at high elevations and no charger, you don't need premium gas in a Cooper if you don't want to. Might get better mileage and cleaner burning engine going for a non ethanol quality (plus) midgrade.