1983 Jeep Cherokee carburetor and ethanol

MAYDAY MALONE

MEMBER
1983 JEEP CHEROKEE
175,000 MILES

The question is one that many people would like to know all the facts on if Ethanol is really bad for the old style carburetor. Seems that if you talk and listen to the makers of ethanol, it's not bad for your carburetor. Then there are repair shops that says it is, breaks down the metal and dries out parts inside the carburetor. If ethanol is going to be around, What's the best thing to do to make your carburetor perform to it's best with the least amount of breakdown or damage. Or replacement? Will adding additives to your fuel help out?

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Check out BG Products they do lots of engine and fuel treatments. I rebuild carbs and I can tell you that the ethanol is eating them up. I have replaced now 4 fuel pumps on my own vehicles (fuel injected and all different pumps) and it seems the ethanol is why they are not lasting. I can tell you that the ethanol is very acidic and if you haven't messed with the E84 don't without chemical gloves it makes you hands burn like they have been dipped in acid. So check out the BG Ethanol defender and read up on the test they have done you will be shocked.