Ethanol Cure - Star Tron?

What specifically are you worried about ethanol destroying? Have you done the math to determine if this fuel additive will actually save you money by breaking down alcohol that you have already paid for?

I wouldn't worry about enzymes growing in your tank. Enzymes are a protein and not alive in the general sense. They are produced in cells an used to break down different substances. The product sounds rather odd and designed to prey on people's aversion to ethanol but I'm not a chemist so who knows.

 

rpeeples,

I was thinking of staring the same thread, thanks. Is the ethanol reeking havoc on your MPG's? I am averaging in the mid 50's , but I feel even though the sticker on the pump says may contain up to 10% ethanol I don't think it is being added. It's just another expense for the gas stations and something else that must be imported and blended in. As I mentioned in the other thread I have used it my small gas engines and they seem to run better when I do put it in. I have both a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke string trimmer and with the 4 stroke I seem to notice performance comparable with nonethanol fuel. With my 2 stroke hedge trimmer and chain saw I did not really notice. I appreciate you being the guinea pig and taking the lead on this one. On another note how are you window vents working out for ya, any decrease in MPG's.

 

It is a tax credit to be harvested, and a legal requirement in many places.

When the result is to my disadvantage, disclosures of 'may' are most often translated as 'will'.

 

Over the years, there have been many products that made absurd promises about improving fuel economy. This is just another one.
Caveat emptor.
:bored:

 

The website is pure snake-oil BS.

 

Let's think about this logically: The ethanol is already in the gasoline before you add Star Tron, which means the additive can't keep it out of your tank. Likewise it can't convert the ethanol into gasoline. As an enzyme, all the Star Tron can do, if anything, is to convert the ethanol into some sort of inert liquid. This will not improve mileage, and will most likely worsen mileage by keeping the ethanol from burning.

Star Tron, if it does passivate ethanol, could be good for boaters with fiberglass fuel tanks, where ethanol softens and dissolves the resin in the tank walls. Likewise it would be good for older fuel systems, where ethanol attacks the rubber parts. It will not be good for increasing your mileage.

Tom

 

Totally! They don't even ask whether your car is male or female and we all know females produce less alcohol dehydrogenase than males. Therefore, female cars would require a lager dose.

 

I totally understand your frustration with running it on older engines and fuel systems. I wouldn't worry about it on your prius. The car will fall apart long before any harm is done by having some ethanol in the tank.

I would look into exactly what enzymes are being used to break down the enthanol. Humans use alcohol dehydrogenases (a group of enzymes) to break down alcohol into aldehydes. The ethanol oxidation process is bound to leave behind something in the fuel system and that is what I'd be worried about. In the long run I think it may be cheaper just to update the fuel system components in your truck but you would know how that pencils out better than I do.

 

The Great Ethanol Scam - BusinessWeek

"Ethanol may be destroying engines in large numbers..."

 

I think ethanol for fuel, especially corn-based ethanol, is a stupid idea but I wish these articles would point out that it's not just government that creates these problems. It is the combination of lobbyists and corporate placements in governmental positions that make this such a horrible thing for the general public. So not only do we have to stand up against traditional government "tyranny" but we have an even more powerful foe in the form of corporate interests. It's always interesting to look at the job history of people placed in the position of making such decisions. e.g. Jeffrey Holmstead, former Assistant Admin for EPAs Air Division was previously an attorney for a high end Law Firm specializing in defending corporations from environmental challenges. After he left the EPA guess what he does now? He's still a lawyer. Do you think he ever stopped being a lawyer? lol This is really no different than the relationships between Dick Cheney and Halliburton or Condolezza Rice and Chevron. Hmm political rant off. Time for from Mexican food!

 

It cannot cancel out the lower energy content of the ethanol.

 

Somewhat OT but my objection to ethanol is that as the global food shortage continues to escalate, fertile farmland is going to waste when it comes to what should be its primary purpose.

EDIT: Wow, that previously linked article really covered it well.

 

Vinnie, the product the OP is asking about will not take ethanol out oflka fuel tank and return farmland to something other than corn for fuel. My question was specific to running ethanol you have already purchased through your engine vs. treating it with thiso product. We have numerous threads dating back to the creation of this forum where the evils of ethanol for fuel have been spelled out. This product will do nothing to fix your issue with ethanol. I agree with you completely however.