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Using Ethanol FAQ
- Can I use ethanol in my car?
Written by Michael DonlonEthanol comes in blends in the same way that biodiesel comes in blends. Some blends can be used by any gasoline engine; others require an engine management system that comprehends ethanol. One common blend is E10, which is 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Any gasoline engine may use this blend without issues. With the phase out of the MTBE additive, it is likely that E10 will become commonplace as ethanol is a good oxygenate additive.
Another common blend is E85, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This blend requires an engine and fuel system designed for ethanol. Because ethanol has a significantly different energy content than gasoline, has much lower lubricity, and has an affinity for water, the changes needed to accommodate ethanol include special sensors, properly programmed electronics (to adjust for the different energy content in the different blends), and special hoses and fuel tanks. This would not be an easy conversion for a car that is not originally designed for ethanol, but fortunately several car manufacturers are building cars with the ability to accept E85. 0% of 0 voters found this FAQ useful, I found this FAQ  useful  not useful - Is ethanol dangerous?
Written by Michael DonlonOne danger of ethanol is that it burns colorlessly. So in the unlikely event that you have pure ethanol that has caught fire, it could be very difficult to tell it has caught on fire until you get burned. Ethanol is a grain alcohol, and as such is mildly toxic. In blended form, the gasoline will be more toxic than the ethanol.
0% of 0 voters found this FAQ useful, I found this FAQ useful not useful
Can I use ethanol in my car?
Written by Michael Donlon
Ethanol comes in blends in the same way that biodiesel comes in blends. Some blends can be used by any gasoline engine; others require an engine management system that comprehends ethanol. One common blend is E10, which is 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Any gasoline engine may use this blend without issues. With the phase out of the MTBE additive, it is likely that E10 will become commonplace as ethanol is a good oxygenate additive.
Another common blend is E85, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This blend requires an engine and fuel system designed for ethanol. Because ethanol has a significantly different energy content than gasoline, has much lower lubricity, and has an affinity for water, the changes needed to accommodate ethanol include special sensors, properly programmed electronics (to adjust for the different energy content in the different blends), and special hoses and fuel tanks. This would not be an easy conversion for a car that is not originally designed for ethanol, but fortunately several car manufacturers are building cars with the ability to accept E85. 0% of 0 voters found this FAQ useful, I found this FAQ useful not useful Is ethanol dangerous?
Written by Michael Donlon
One danger of ethanol is that it burns colorlessly. So in the unlikely event that you have pure ethanol that has caught fire, it could be very difficult to tell it has caught on fire until you get burned. Ethanol is a grain alcohol, and as such is mildly toxic. In blended form, the gasoline will be more toxic than the ethanol.
0% of 0 voters found this FAQ useful, I found this FAQ useful not useful
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