is non-ethanol gas bad for the turbo?

[PaulT]

Is non-ethanol gas actually bad for a turbo? I found a reddit post about "extra detonation" of non-ethanol being bad for the turbo. When I had a naturally aspirated vehicle, I would fill it up with non-ethanol once a month. My mechanical knowledge is very limited. TIA.

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[iResQ]

I've not heard that and have my doubts. Extra (or pre) detonation can adversely affect plugs, rings, pistons, and bearings but would have no impact on the turbo itself. Now the inverse can be true. Turbos make an engine run hotter and generate more pressure than a naturally aspirated engine. That said, turbo engines are designed accordingly.

Also, isn't non-ethanol gas better for engines? It burns cleaner and has greater energy density.

 

[PaulT]

I've not heard that and have my doubts. Extra (or pre) detonation can adversely affect plugs, rings, pistons, and bearings but would have no impact on the turbo itself. Now the inverse can be true. Turbos make an engine run hotter and generate more pressure than a naturally aspirated engine. That said, turbo engines are designed accordingly.

Also, isn't non-ethanol gas better for engines? It burns cleaner and has greater energy density.

That's what I thot...non-ethanol is cleaner, etc, etc. The combustion science is way over my head. Thanks for the insight.

 

[DawnPatrol]

Putting non ethanol of the recommended octane causes no harm and does not increase the likelihood of LSPI or pre detonation. The main advantage of non-ethanol gas is that it doesn’t over time destroy rubber hoses, which is why people use it on boats and small engines like lawnmowers where the likelihood of gas sitting for long periods is higher.

In a daily driver there is hardly any advantage and one would be better served to just use top-tier gas since they have the best additive packages for cleaning intake valves.

 

[Planoman]

It is fine for your engine. I use it exclusively in my mower and stihl power equipment fuel mix and for 8 years no issues at all. I do add stabilizer to it since I buy it 5 gallons at a time.

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