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.
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