Looks like ethanol isn't all it's cracked up to be

[ditchdj]

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stori...4d133.html?npc

-----Growing up, when most cars still had the good 'ol-fashioned carburetor, I was always told to NEVER get gas mixed with alcohol because it will gum up a carburetor and ruin it. However, with fuel-injected engines that problem was supposedly gone. Now there's a report saying that it also gums up the rest of your engine with carbon deposits. So, THAT is why I've had to replace several EGR valves in two cars over the years. They say when they build up carbon and the valves get stuck the only option is to replace them.

[FuzzyKitten99]

Why do you think they can't pipeline ethanol like they do oil? It eats away the pipes and fittings like boric acid. They have to truck it in everywhere, unlike oil that can be pipelined via underground pipes.

If it does that to basic pipes and fittings, what do you think it does to auto parts under pressure and high heat? We have a mandated minimum 10% ethanol/gasoline fuel mix here in MN, and folks wonder why their cars' engines don't last much past 175k miles, or start having problems up here. The alcohol breaks down the sealants and gaskets over time.
Not to mention the resources that corn-based fuel takes to produce it. Water, fertilizer, resources to refine it, etc. Corn for fuel takes away corn for food as well.

[Broomjockey]

Sorry, this topic should be on Fratching.