Yes your van should be able to run just fine on regular fuel. There is no
harm or fowl in using a higher octane except for the slightly increased
cost. If your ignition timing has been over advanced because it feels better
or what have you then a higher octane fuel should be considered.

As for fuel stabilizer, marine, hot rods, and small engines tend to have
fuel systems that are open vented. Sometimes as simple as a hole in the cap.
Here the fuel volatiles,  (the stuff that burns) evaporates and with
temperature changes air with moisture and all gets sucked in. The fuel
system on tour van is a closed system and it should hold pressure to reduce
both of these problems. For 3 to 6 months you should not have problems with
fuel going bad. If unsure, have the "evap" system tested and you should be
good to go.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 1:36 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Gas question, seriously folks

Hi listers,

        I have a few gas related questions.

I've been told by most folks that using regular in my van is the way to go.
But I've also read about concerns about lower octane in regular due to the
ethanol additives.  So other then higher cost per gallon  would I have a
healthier engine, more power, and or better gas mileage running premium gas?
Is there any harm in running it?

        I recently met a man with many years in the auto business.  While
looking over his hot rod 1939 ford we somehow got on the topic of gas
stabilizer.  He suggested I use a product called Stable Blue in my vanagon
all year to minimize the harm done by ethanol.  Does anyone use this product
and are there any risks or clear benefits to using it?

Your thoughts on gas are greatly appreciated.

Am I going to regret bringing up gas problems on a Friday?  Who is our
resident gas expert?

Originally posted this yesterday, Friday the 13, but it didn't seem to get
to the list.

Eric Caron
85 Westfalia Auto