Ethanol/Isopropyl Alcohol

[AlumaDoo]

Hey all, I'm curious to know the feelings out there regarding gas. Would the ethanol content in regular gas be hard on a sled? I ask because in extreme cold, I've considered adding an anti freeze agent to my gas (93 octane)to prevent gasline freeze. With most 87 and 90 octane gas having 10% ethanol these days, isn't that gas already safe from freeze up? I personally run 93 octane that CLAIMS to NOT have any ethanol. So, if it's really cold, would an anti freeze agent hurt my sled when I'm running 93 octane, or would it be benificial to just run 90 or 87 octane in the extreme cold to begin with? Yeah I know, the 93 octane shouldn't have any water in it, but ya never know....Hmmmm.....

[WINGZ991]

The gasoline itself will not freeze, regardless of the grade. Well, in all actuality it will, but at those temps you'd be nowhere near a sled, you'd be in a lab. What will cause you problems is the tiny amount of water in your tank and fuel lines, usually caused by condensation, that will occasionally freeze overnight, just to make sure you have a very happy morning. Keep in mind, there is some amount of water in most gasoline storage tanks, it's just a matter of how much. Tolerable levels are set for the differnet blends (not octane levels) like alcohol based versus non-alcohol based (aviation versus diesel, etc.) Underground tanks may leak around the fill points at the station, allowing rain or groundwater to settle in. Sometimes the fuel is contaminiated even before hitting the station. Try and keep it full before parking it for the night. My buddies have been known to dump a can of HEET in the tank, I've always been afraid to do it. Hope this helps.

[AlumaDoo]

Yeah, I was referring to the little bit of water in the gas freezing, not the gas itself. What I was wondering is if the ethanol in the gas would absorb that little bit of water, much like an added bottle of treatment to the tank. Just curious. I've considered a bottle of the Isopropyl before, but haven't done it either. I was once told that only the Isopropyl stuff should be used, and not the Heet brand. I'm stickin' to 93 regardless, but just thinkin' out loud I guess.

[SNOPROSTEVEO]

ethanol will absorb more water than straight gas can, how much more, not sure

[Vinnie6]

I have added isopropyl many times and have never had any trouble. That is iso-heet in the RED container, not yellow. It doesn't take a whole bottle per tank. Maybe half a bottle at most. Another option is a small amount (like an ounce or two) of seafoam. Seafoam is like stabil and isopropyl combined. Awesome stuff. If these products dilute gas and hurt performance, I have never noticed it. At least the engine is running.

[PolarisXC800SP]

I have a few times a year added ISOPROPYL antifreeze..I also have heard not to use HEET.
I have never had any problems, but just use a little bit. No matter the octane level you still can have water condensation..RIGHT???