When I could buy ethanol free without paying for premium back in Oklahoma
(it's been 6 years now), I ran it in all vehicles, and I thought I got
about 2 mpg better mileage with it, but of course, not a controlled
experiment.  It is better environmentally in other respects, because
farming for the ethanol produces more carbon dioxide and other pollutants
than the ethanol saves when burned.  FWIW, my owner's book for the van says
not to use alcoholic fuel, but what else is available most places?  The
very few outlets here in eastern Washington that have ethanol free have
only premium, at a premium price over regular premium. (Did I say "regular
premium?")

On Sun, Sep 19, 2021 at 7:49 AM David Boan <dboan@outlook.com> wrote:

> Hi Vanagon Types
>
> Emissions testing is a challenge for some Vanagon owners, so I thought I
> would share my recent experience.  Testing is required in Idaho every two
> years, and I just completed my third test.  On the first two the van failed
> and I had to resort to my mechanic doing something then taking it to be
> tested.  I was not clear what he did to get it through the test.
>
> My third test was this week and the Van passed with flying colors on the
> first test.  On the idle test, the CO% was .04 (standard is 1.2) and on the
> HC test, it was 69 (standard is 220).  There are three changes I made
> during the past year, and at least two of them seem to account for this
> improvement.  First, when I found that the throttle switch was worn out I
> replaced the entire throttle body with the GW housing and switch.  At the
> same time, I replaced the breather tower when I discovered that the inside
> flap on the original was gone.  Finally, a year ago I started using
> ethanol-free gas whenever possible. I am not sure the gas change would
> impact emissions, but it was another change.  I did find, subjectively, the
> engine runs more smoothly and the gas mileage is slightly better on
> ethanol-free, so maybe that impacts emissions as well.  Does anyone else
> have experience with that?
>
> Dave B
> '85 Westy
> Boise
>