So I just found out that Vermont is an E10 gasoline state... Bummer. So, what kind of troubles am I going to have storing the 86 Firebird this winter, since I have heard that ethanol has a shelf life of slightly longer than 10 minutes...

I worry about all of the rubber components of the fuel system being eaten by the ethanol. I've heard that newer cars can take it just fine, but what about us with the classics?

I know the boat owners up here are having issues deciding to store their tanks empty or full with some ethanol treatment, drygas and fuel additive. I'm not real keen on keeping all of that extra checmical crap in my fuel system.

Anyone else going to have issues?

 

I thought ethanol is usually added to gas as a "winter blend" since it's a good thing in the cold. Acts as an antifreeze in the lines, etc.

10% shouldn't hurt any of your rubber lines and whatnot, that's not something that only classic cars have, per se.

I'd fill the tank up full to the gunnels, and let 'er hibernate.

 

at 10% i think you'll be ok, but i would recommend putting some fuel stabilizer in on your last fillup before storage.

 

I'd tend to agree with the above comments, but would hesitate. I've only been using E-10 since 1976 (yes, 30 years) and have winter stored at least one vehicle off and on since 1983 with it. I've stored them consistently for at least 12 seasons now, but I'd like to give it another 15-20 years before forming any definite conclusions. I add about two-three ounces of StaBil and eight ounces of two-cycle oil with the last fuel fill, then run it through.

BTW - What is a "1986 Special Edition TA" anyway?

 

I have a 1986 Firebird S/E. The "S/E" part is the Special Edition. The RPO codes call it a "Trans AM". (For some reason, it doesn't even have a Pontiac arrowhead on it, either?) 86 was the last year of the S/E trim level, and they only made 2,000 or so of them. I have the 2.8, T-5, Posi 3.42 rearend and WS6 suspension package, plus the fancy tinted "jeweled" all-red tails. The interior has a leather wheel and shift ****, two-tone cloth seats and dashboard, with the full gauge package, 6-speaker system with factory subs and amp in the sail panels.

 

Is the two-cycle oil safe for the O2 sensor???

 

No oil is really "good" for the oxygen sensor, but at 256:1 mixture ratio, there really isn't enough oil to cause any problems. Even though there is less oil in the combustion from the two-cycle oil than there would be from leaking valve seals on startup (and a LOT of our cars have that phenomenon), there seems to be enough to coat the bare matal and prevent some problems. The 10% ethanol dilutes the 2-stroke oil fairly well. I've been doing it on older and OBD-II cars for several years now.