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Does E-10 Ethanol Gas Hurt Older Cars' Fuel Systems? - Brokerblogger

One of my independent Lexus Service & Repair shops (Davenport Motor Company) sent me their August, 2006 Newsletter which said:  "Although we have no absolute proof that the 10% ethanol (E-10) that has been added to gas can hurt your car, we have seen an unusual number of fuel pumps fail since December 2005.  This seems to be mainly in, but not limited to, older model cars, 1990-1995.  We have also replaced a couple of fuel pumps in some 1998 and 2000 models.  To give you an example, from January 2000 to July 2005 (5 1/2 years), we replaced 6 fuel pumps.  From August 2005 to present (1 year) we have replaced 25 fuel pumps."

When I called Jimy at Davenport, he told me that besides the older rubber seals in older fuel pumps being affected, they have also replaced more corroded gas tanks in older cars.  This ksda.gov FAQ's web page says about FFV's that use a more corrosive blend of E-85:  "The fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, computer system, anti-siphon device, and dashboard gauges have been modified slightly."  It goes on to  say:  "Normally, these parts include a stainless steel fuel tank, and Teflon-lined fuel hoses."  So, while these new FFV, specially set up from the factory, vehicles have a special gas tank that resists the corrosive effects of E-85 ethanol, couldn't the less corrosive E-10 be causing the replacement of older fuel tanks and older fuel pumps over a longer period of time?

I am in favor of all "GREEN" things, but not at the expense of consumers who may not be able to afford the unexpected expenses (hundreds of dollars) of replacing fuel pumps and tanks.  The Consumer Advocate in me has to balance out the "Green Advocate" part of me!  However, here is where the "SEAL OF CONFUSION" comes in.

"Green" Motivation for Green Purchasing - Brokerblogger

In "An Introduction To Green Marketing" it says:  "Thus green marketing incorporates a broad range of activities, including product modification, changes to the production process, packaging changes, as well as modifying advertising."  But, all these things will fail if people's attitudes haven't changed since 1994 when the EPA released the chart above (as shown at the bottom of that same report).  Motivation to change attitudes of any kind can be positive or negative ("carrot" or "stick").

The movie about Global Warming,  "An Inconvenient Truth" uses fear to motivate.  In my blog post entitled "BUY WAR (NO, "GREEN") BONDS!" uses patriotism to motivate.  However, I must admit that as a marketer, and someone who knows that while fear and patriotism are a big motivators, it would be best if the emphasis be on what empowers the consumer or industrial buyer to buy non-green products and services.  Does it do well what it is supposed to do (quality), does it save me money, and is it cost effective for what I can afford to pay (value).  Intangible attributes that improve one's self-image also help (ego). 

"Green" is now trendy, but what will it take to make it popular?