Ethanol is ethyl alcohol, the same found in beer or wine. It’s a renewable fuel also referred to as gasohol, as it comes from renewable sources like corn. Nowadays, ethanol is added to gasoline to reduce carbon emissions. Most cars modern cars can run on ethanol-blended fuel of up to 10%, typical in most countries like the US. This fuel is known as E10.
Ethanol has one main benefit that is having less environmental pollution. Again, it’s from a renewable source, thus no harm to the environment while manufacturing. But it also has a myriad of challenges to the engines. Due to its alcohol properties, it attracts water, and that causes corrosion to the engine. This challenge and others hinder its use on vehicles and machinery. Let’s find out how to neutralize it in gasoline.
Problems with Ethanol in Gasoline
Using ethanol in an automobile or other home machine has more costs than gasoline. You will need to use more ethanol than you could use gasoline to ride the same distance, and it’s also less volatile. Besides, ethanol causes great harm to the internal combustion engines of any machine. Ethanol leads to the following problems;
- It burns hotter, which can lead to overheating and engine problems in a small machine.
- Since it’s an alcohol, ethanol dries the rubber material in the fuel delivery. It makes the system crack and become brittle.
- Ethanol is hygroscopic thus attracts water from the air. With time the water can separate and drop along with ethanol to the bottom of the tank. Water causes corrosion, stalling, and damage to the engine.
- Its also a solvent -it dissolves deposits and other particles in tanks and lines in older engines. The dissolved particles can clog filters or pass through some parts like pumps, fuel injectors and make the machine fail to start.
How is Ethanol Added into Gasoline?
Most US gas stations sell fuel blended with ethanol. The motion passed in 2005 through Congress to use new renewable energy. Under the Clean Air Act, the government decided to use ethanol, a safer alternative than methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Ethanol emits less carbon dioxide to the air, thus safer for the environment. It also cleans well-performing fuel that works in most cars and other farm machines today. As a biofuel, ethanol helps achieve global climatic goals.
Ethanol qualified as a better replacement to MTBE, and that’s how we find it in gasoline. There are three types of ethanol gas, E10, 10% ethanol; E15, 15% ethanol; and E85, 85% ethanol. Most cars can efficiently consume ethanol or regular gas. Modern vehicles can now use at least an E10 gas. But for small engines and boats, it’s still a major challenge.
Do You Need Fuel Stabilizer for Ethanol Free Gas?
You don’t need a fuel stabilizer for ethanol-free gas unless you store it for more than six months. Ethanol-free gas doesn’t suffer from moisture issues; thus, the stabilizer won’t be helpful. However, consider storing the gasoline properly. It should be in a tight container, away from direct sunlight, away from spark sources, and at room temperature. Exposure to temperature changes can lower gas quality and usability.
What is the Best Fuel Treatment for Ethanol?
Fuel treatments include several options the cleaners, lubricants, or stabilizers. The best brand of treatment is stabil ethanol treatment. It’s a choice for many car owners; you add it to the fuel tank to prevent ethanol damages. The treatment works by releasing a corrosion preventative vapor in the tank. You can use the treatment for various ethanol blends from E10 to E85. Some of its benefits include;
- Help prevent corrosion above or below the fuel line
- Prevents phase separation by removing water from the fuel.
- Cleans the fuel system to improve performance
- Stabilizes fuel when storing for an extended period
- It helps increase power and efficiency
There is also a marine fuel additive for ethanol which is a necessity for boaters. It helps stabilize the fuel as the boats often stay for long periods at the dockside. The additive prevents phase separation of fuel in the boat due to water contamination. This additive also preserves the quality of fuel from the effects of sudden temperature changes during long-term storage. The marine fuel additive for ethanol ensures better performance and longevity of your engine.
Neutralizing Ethanol in Gasoline
Ethanol-free gasoline is not always an option in most gas stations. You have to learn to use ethanol-blended fuel. But the fuel comes with various problems, even in farm machinery. To overcome the ethanol challenges, use additives. For instance, small engines like lawnmower use ethanol gas treatment products for the lawnmower.
The small engines are likely to have more problems with ethanol as we use them less often. Ethanol issues tend to escalate the longer the fuel stays without use. That’s why you require to consider an additive to preserve the fuel and the engine. Apart from using additives, there are other ways to protect your small engines;
- Consider using ethanol-free fuel for your mowers, leaf blower engines. You can find it in home centers, marinas, and some equipment dealers, though, at a bit higher price. However, the price is lower than replacing the engine.
- Use the riders and mower often to burn the fuel before ethanol attracts water in the mowing season.
It is easier to go with ethanol free fuel in the first place. If you can’t go for the lowest percentage possible as its easier to neutralize or deal with. For instance, E10 (10% Ethanol) will be easier to neutralize than E85 (85% ethanol)
Conclusion
The use of ethanol in fuel has a significant impact on climate change. With less emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, it’s a considerable step toward environmental conservation. However, its benefits are at the expense of ruining vehicles, boats, and small engines. To preserve the engines ensure you use the best fuel treatment, especially when storing the machinery. Again, it’s best to run your mowers and other large equipment dry before storing for an extended period.
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