Ethanol-Blended Fuel Problems
Debris In Fuel – Gums rapidly form in the fuel tank and fuel delivery systems as
ethanol fuels age. However, ethanol is also a powerful solvent that will strip away and disperse this
build up back into the fuel as large, performance-robbing particles. This leads to clogged filters and
carburetors.
Excessive Water In The Fuel And Phase Separation – Ethanol attracts moisture from the atmosphere,
forming an ethanol/water solution mixed in the gasoline. Ethanol-blended fuel will naturally hold
0.5% water in suspension, but when water levels exceed this threshold, or when the fuel cools
significantly, the water/ethanol mix drops out of suspension. This is phase separation. Excessive
water in the fuel tank causes engines to run rough, stall, and can lead to internal damage to engine
components. Ethanol provides a significant amount of the fuel’s octane, so when the ethanol/water
solution separates and drops to the bottom of the tank, the remaining fuel is left without enough octane
to properly operate the engine. Additionally, the ethanol/water solution can become partially
combustible, which can lead to engine damage.
Ethanol Breaks Fuel Down Quickly – Over a short period of time ethanol fuel begins to break down.
As ethanol and other components evaporate, the fuel loses octane and become “stale”. This causes hard
starts, pinging and engine knock, which robs your engine of power and can cause damage.
Ethanol Causes Lost of Power, Performance And Decreased Fuel Economy – Ethanol fuel does not
produce as much energy as traditional fuel. This results in inefficient combustion, decreased
performance, reduced throttle response and poor fuel economy.
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