Good grade of dry gas won’t harm vehicle (2024)

PostedFebruary 28, 2009

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Dear Sun Spots: I hope you can help me. I was told I should not put dry gas in my gas tank in the cold winter nights because it would be harmful to the gas line and the carburetor and gas tank because ethanol is added to the gas. Is this true?

The other question is there was a picture in the Sun Journal about two months ago. It was a picture of two veterans standing on each side of a Korea Memorial at the Mount Hope Cemetery. Could that be the Mount Hope Cemetery in Lewiston or is it somewhere else? I hope you can help me I am a Korea veteran. Thank you. – Ed Roy, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Jim Grimmel at Grimmel’s Service Station on Lisbon Street in Lewiston who said that it’s actually not true. Using a good grade of dry gas will not harm your vehicle; it will mix with the condensation in your gas tank and allow the water to burn through the fuel system. Look for isopropanol in the ingredients.

Using an inexpensive brand, for example one that lists methanol as an ingredient, will only prevent the water from freezing and may damage the seals around fuel injectors.

He points out that it’s worth using because it can be more harmful if the tank freezes.

In response to your other question, there is no memorial located in the Mount Hope cemetery. We spoke with Paul Bernard of the L&A Veterans Council who thinks the photo you are referring to was one of a Korean War veteran pointing to his name on one of the memorial stones at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston.

The memorial stones are not specific to a war, but include the names of any honorably discharged veteran, living or deceased, from the American Revolution to today. Bernard told us that the council is working on several projects, some of which are called feature stones. The stones will list names of Maine veterans only and will be for specific events, such as medal of honor recipients and Vietnam veterans.

If you’re interested in being listed on a memorial stone in the park, you can request an application by writing to 451 Lower St., Turner, ME 04282. There is a $35 engraving fee. For more information, call 225-3285 or e-mail laveteranscouncil@megalink.net. To be included on the 17th stone, which is scheduled to be unveiled on Saturday, May 23, following the Memorial Day parade, your application should be sent before May 1.

Dear Sun Spots: Are there any shoe repair shops left in the Twin Cities? Obie’s was my last repair shop, but they are not answering the phone number I have for them. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots is not aware of any cobblers in Lewiston or Auburn. You can contact Midcoast Shoe Repair in Brunswick for service. The business is at 14 Maine St., and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. They may be reached at 725-8557.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for a fabulous column and one that helps so many people. I live in an adult residential facility and I am already thinking about our Christmas fair.

I am looking for two patterns. One is for casserole carriers, any size either in round, square or oblong. Quilted material will also be greatly appreciated if someone has extra to spare.

The second pattern I’m looking for is one to transform a sweatshirt into a jacket. I can copy patterns and return them along with postage. Call 784-7732. – C.M., Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Bags from Mars is a local stitching company in Lewiston that makes mesh/netlaundry bags as well as other bags and products. Contact Terry at 577-3598. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: About 25 to 30 years ago my husband found a class ring. When he couldn’t find the owner, he threw it in a box and forgot about it.

With the help of computers and Sun Spots, we thought we’d try again to locate the owner. It is a women’s yellow gold class ring from Williams High School, Class of 1969. It has a dark blue emerald cut stone in the center. The only Williams High School that I could find was in Arizona. I contacted a school official, but she was unable to assist much in the search. Perhaps one of your readers can help? – No Name, Minot.

Dear Sun Spots: Before I put in my request, we just have to say (quite a few of my friends agree with me), we would much rather have a full Sun Spots column than the trimmed down one during weekdays. We get much more from your column than the recipes that are printed.

That said, I am asking for two things. Are there classes in the area that teaches rug hooking or is there a store or craft shop in the area that sells primitive rug hooking kits so that I could teach myself? I am not talking about the cutesy children kits. These rugs are made of wool strips or wool yarn and have primitive designs, such as with sheep.

Secondly, I have many patterns of primitive quilts which I would love to make, but cannot find a good source of plaid materials in the Lewiston-Auburn area. I have checked out Jo-Ann, Wal-Mart and Marden’s. Can you tell me of any shops or stores in the area that sell a good choice of plaid material? I would greatly appreciate it. I am even thinking of going to Good Will or Salvation Army and buying plaid shirts. Thank you again for all the help and advice. – No Name, Wales.

Answer: Wendy Walsh of Simple Folk primitive and folk art fiber crafts recommends Kim Dubay of Primitive Pastimes in North Yarmouth for rug hooking lessons and kits. She has a studio and teaches rug hooking in a primitive style. She also has a full line of kits and supplies and specializes in getting new hookers started. Walsh suggests giving her a call at 829-3725. Her studio is in her home and is open by chance or appointment. Also visit her Web site at www.primitivepastimes.net.

Also consider contacting the Western Maine Art Group in Norway at 739-6161 or e-mail to westernmaineartgroup@gmail.com. They offered rug hooking classes at the Lajos Matolcsy Arts Center in February taught by Seven Gables Rug Hooking. They aren’t advertising another class at this time, but perhaps they will make one available in the future.

Sun Spots is counting on readers for their suggestions about plaid fabric in the area. Anyone with a suggestion should contact the column.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.