Engineering Explained - Is Ethanol Bad for your Car's Engine

[StevieC]

Quote:
SAE Test performed for 20 hours with moderate load in an engine using the following fuels:

100% Methanol
10% Methanol, 90% Gasoline
100% Ethanol
10% Ethanol, 90% Gasoline
100% Gasoline

 

[MRtv]

Another fine video. My Versa Note was made to run with E10 so I am fine there. My question now. Was my 97 Ford F150 designed to run with E10? I never got an owners manual with it when I bought it. I run E10 in it but do so under duress because our Federal Government says I have to.

 

[StevieC]

A 97 should have been fine considering they started rolling out E-10 in the 1980's.

 

[kschachn]

Even my old 1994 BMW says E10 is acceptable. Methanol is restricted to E5.

 

[dblshock]

wish he would have tested the fuels spiked with TC-W3 640:1.

 

[Kestas]

I've had parts from methanol engines in my lab. The parts from the oil cavity were chocolate milkshake brown color and I saw a fair bit of corrosion.

 

[loneryder]

I like the way he gets to the point and states it quickly. He doesn't seem to be reading anything and Is well prepared. So many of the guys on youtube talk, talk, talk and never get to the point or what you want to hear.

 

[StevieC]

I'm sure he has a cards or a white board off camera. I think I remember in a previous video he showed his white-board in a segment where he was in the car.

 

[Brigadier]

I run E0 92 as much as I can. The performance difference is noticeable in my Santa Fe.

 

[TiredTrucker]

Thanks for the video. My current 6.0L GM motor has been on E85 for the last year. Especially the decreased engine deposits he mentioned. Guess that is why I haven't worried about the Top Tier thing. And my experience of using ethanol blends since the late 70's, it is not an issue. My 1974 Pontiac Catalina got E10 most of it's life. Nary an issue. Engine out lasted the car.

 

[webfors]

Thanks for the post. Good listen.

 

[StevieC]

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted by Kestas
I've had parts from methanol engines in my lab. The parts from the oil cavity were chocolate milkshake brown color and I saw a fair bit of corrosion.


My thesis involved inlet manifold flows and the like.
Guy the year before for whatever reason tested it on Methanol (there was never a hint that Oz was going to use Methanol, so I don't know why...the whole rig (lots of Al) was clagged with white corrosion product.

 

[webfors]

Good read, slightly on topic:

https://www.acsh.org/news/2017/02/22/octane-rating-and-lead-explaining-chemistry-gasoline-10887