Gasoline vs Ethanol: Choosing the Best Fuel for Your Wichita, KS Engine

[moe7404]

moe in wichita ks
iam new here, i think i will like this site.
iam trying to show a friend that gasoline is a better fuel than ethanol and/or methanol. i have most of the info i need. but what i do need is.
1 how much water is made when each one burns one gal.
2 air/fuel ratio for the ethanol and methanol. i have gasoline 14.7
3 how much water can each one take on and still run in a i.c. engine
i have helped friends with methanol race engines so i have some real world experance. some racers will not run ethanol, they think it will mess up the engine cause of the sugar used to make it.
thanks for your help

 

[rcgldr]

Indy Racing League race cars switched from methanol to ethanol. I don't know what was required to make the change, but it's not an issue.

Air to fuel ratio for ethanol / methanol is lower, more fuel is used, and if the ratio is low enough, you end up with more power.

 

[sir-pinski]

Thank you for your post, Moe from Wichita, KS. It's great to have you here on this site.

Choosing the best fuel for your engine in Wichita, KS can be a tricky decision, but it ultimately depends on your specific vehicle and driving habits. Gasoline has been the traditional choice for most cars, but ethanol and methanol have been gaining popularity as alternative fuels.

In terms of water production, both gasoline and ethanol produce water when burned. However, ethanol produces slightly less water than gasoline. According to the Department of Energy, gasoline produces about 1.1 gallons of water per gallon burned, while ethanol produces about 0.9 gallons of water per gallon burned.

The air/fuel ratio for ethanol and methanol varies depending on the specific engine and its tuning. Generally, ethanol requires a higher air/fuel ratio than gasoline, while methanol requires a much higher air/fuel ratio. The most common ratio for ethanol is around 9:1, while methanol can range from 5:1 to 7:1.

In terms of water tolerance, ethanol and methanol can both handle a certain amount of water in the fuel. Ethanol can handle up to 3.5% water, while methanol can handle up to 0.5% water. However, it's important to note that too much water in either fuel can cause engine damage.

In terms of your friend's concern about ethanol damaging engines due to its sugar content, this is a common misconception. Ethanol is actually less corrosive than gasoline and has been used in engines for decades without any major issues.

Ultimately, the best fuel for your engine will depend on your specific vehicle and driving habits. It's always a good idea to consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic for recommendations on the best fuel for your engine. I hope this information helps in your discussion with your friend.