Ethanol in Autos

[SandburRanch]

Why doesn't ethanol adversely effect components in automobile fuel systems like it does in small engines? Automobiles - nearly unheard of. Small engines - constant battle.

 

[Coyote machine]

Autos= closed air pressurized systems. Small engines = open to atmospheric conditions of humidity, etc.

 

[zzvyb6]

Autos are subject to the rules and regulations of the Clean Air Act. This includes emissions and fuel evaporization system durability. As far as ethanol and so called Flex-Fuel usage, its mainly the use of alcohol tolerant seals and gaskets. The EPA basically mandated conformance and operational compatibility.

Not so for small engines until recently.

 

[Diamondpilot]

That above and a big factor is autos are usually used on a daily basis. Let one sit nearly a year and problems arise.

Chris

 

[mfreund]

Fuel injection vs carburetor.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Automotive engines use better metallurgy, more oil jets on the crank to lubricate cylinder walls than small engines, and vastly superior fuel metering and engine management systems than small engines.

 

[niemeyjt]

In Europe, they say all cars made after 2000 can run on ethanol contaminated petrol (gasoline) as a result of some 1998 EU directive.

I guess as car makers are unlikely to produce different systems in US, that explains what you see.

Most regular fuel in Europe is E10 - 10% ethanol - though you can buy 85% as well. Only premium is alcohol free.

Volume for volume, ethanol has less energy than octane - so a gallon will take you less far - meaning you buy more - and pay more tax.

J

 

[puckgrinder85]

The auto manufacturers knew it was coming and were to be compliant like said. Small gas engine stuff and older cars are going to suffer the same fate if left to sit or not maintained. I run the premium in my small gas engines, around here doesn't have ethanol added. The little bit more it costs will save me in the long run overall.

 

[niemeyjt]

Another option is alkylate petrol like Aspen. It is supposed to be better to work with and does not deteriorate as quickly.

However, be warned - it makes even the UK's over-taxed petrol seem cheap!

J

 

[Tig]

Why doesn't ethanol adversely effect components in automobile fuel systems like it does in small engines? Automobiles - nearly unheard of. Small engines - constant battle.

This keeps coming up and I can only figure that it's a localized thing. All my equipment runs better than it did in the pre E days. Some of that is due to E's ability to absorb and burn off water in fuel. That keeps the tank clear of condensation build up, which really takes the bite out of winter. With the exception of my chainsaw and new generator, my tools and toys are 20 years old or older.
Letting fuel go stale is not a phenomena related to E. We never trusted old gas. It gets diluted with fresh fuel and dumped into the old truck or lawnmower. Easiest way to get rid of it.