E10, E20, E30 ...

[N1VSM]

Here in Taxachusetts, E10 is all that is available at commercial stations. (E10 is gasoline with 10% ethanol.) I know this has been discussed before, but I have a few questions for those in the know.

Here's what I have observed:
- Engines (carb. pr fuel injected) running on E10 have decreaded HP from one running on straight gas.
- Ethanol is hydrophilic (absorbs water over time & settles out at the bottom of your tank).
- E10 burns hotter than gas.

Now I'm wondering about corrosion. I know that small engines (lawn mowers, lawn tractors, etc.) can't take E20 or up for long without sustaining serious damage. How does the "stock" 230 c.i. behave with E10, besides low power and running a tad hot? Do the internal components suffer from the same corrosion over time?

Yes, I am biased against E10, I admit it. I'm still looking for more eco-friendly option for my M that doesn't result in a serious loss in power (and a serious cash infusion - who isn't? ).

On a similar note, BESIDES having everything from clutch to tires in top running condition, is there anything (short of a complete rebuild) that I can do to improve mileage & emissions? Battery technology just ain't up to snuff to go hybrid.

[Josh]

out here is WI, premium doesnt have E10 in it... yet. is Mass the same?

[N1VSM]

You can't find gas without ethanol here. That is unless you set up your own still.