Will My Beetle Run On Ethanol?

Question

Hi!I have a 1973 Beetle with:* 1600cc DP Type I with lowered compression* SVDA distributor* CDI and Pertronix ignitionWhat modifications will I need to make to run it on ethanol and with anethanol gasoline mix?Thanks!

2 · Accepted Answer

It will not run on 85% alcohol. If you get it to turn over, it will run like s*it, your mileage will be super bad, and it may never start again.

More than you can probably afford. A total rebuild, a whole hell of a lot of modifications.

Wolfgang · Answer

I read that it attacks old rubber/composit gaskets and some metal components in the fuel system (like the carb).  It also flushes out any varnish in the system so could clough fuel filter and carb jets.  Ethanol has more octane but gives less miles per gallon.  With the timing set correctly, I don't see why it wouldn't run fine (until it ate thru hoses and carb, at least).

2 · Answer

Octane only means that it has a low flash point. In the USA gasoline is classified as an explosive because it goes off so easily. Nitrocellulous gunpowder is merely a flammable.

Gasoline is an aromatic. It's easy to build engines with s*it engineering using gasoline.

With the "timing set correctly" you still lose with Ethonol. Learn up.

Will My Beetle Run On Ethanol?

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