The forum discussion centers on the revival of experiments converting corn oil into gasoline, specifically focusing on the use of ethanol blends like E10, which contains 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Participants highlight past issues with higher ethanol concentrations causing engine damage due to a loss of viscosity and corrosion in fuel systems. The conversation also touches on the economic factors limiting the widespread use of corn-based fuels and the potential benefits of biodiesel as a safer alternative. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for further exploration and adaptation of fuel systems to accommodate higher ethanol blends.
PREREQUISITESAutomotive engineers, fuel researchers, environmental scientists, and policymakers interested in alternative fuel sources and their implications for engine performance and environmental impact.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/blends/ethanol.htmlAre you already using a domestically produced alternative fuel in your vehicle? If you live in a major U.S. city, you probably are.
In the United States, one out of every eight gallons of gasoline sold contains ethanol. Most of this ethanol is purchased as blends of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, known as E10, and is used as an octane enhancer to improve air quality.
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I've been told by my mechanic, a reputable one, that the more ethanol is in your fuel the worse it is for the engine. Perhaps he's only saying that due to literature that says so but he generally speaks from experience.BobG said:Yes, it was 'said' that gasohol would theoretically shorten engine life, but that's so ambiguous.
You seem to be operating on the common myth that higher octanes are inherrently better in some way. They aren't. The only reason for high octanes is to prevent autoignition (knocking) in higher compression ratio engines.BoomBoomMan said:Octane is as high as 110 also.
Indeed. Alcohol has no lubricating properties and will indeed damage a motor in the long term if more than 10 % is mixed with gas. The motors can be adapted though, like they have done for decades in Brasil. Ther are also special additives for high ethanol (or methanol) fuels, that will protect your motor.russ_watters said:You seem to be operating on the common myth that higher octanes are inherrently better in some way. They aren't. The only reason for high octanes is to prevent autoignition (knocking) in higher compression ratio engines.
More info: http://science.howstuffworks.com/question707.htm
It talks about efficiency and cost too...
Mercator said:Indeed. Alcohol has no lubricating properties and will indeed damage a motor in the long term if more than 10 % is mixed with gas. The motors can be adapted though, like they have done for decades in Brasil. Ther are also special additives for high ethanol (or methanol) fuels, that will protect your motor.
A better alternative is bio diesel, which causes much less problems, not only in the motor, but also in the distribution system (ethanol is very flammable and evaporates, while biodiesel is very safe) It makes a big difference in the transport, storage and distribution. That is why the EU is focussing on biodiesel rather than ethanol.