'
TECHNICAL
&
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Oxygenated
Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to
as
oxygenated fuels.
To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and
Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure
it
is unleaded and meets the
minimum octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel's contents.
Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the
Pump.
The following are the
EPA
approved percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL
-
MTBE
METHANOL
-
(ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 10%
ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol
may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
(methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE
by volume.
(methyl or wood alcohol)
5%
by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 5%
methanol by volume, as long as
it
also contains
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the
fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5%
methanol by volume may cause starting and/or
performance problems. It may also damage metal,
rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service
station, or switch to another brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use
of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of
oxygenates mentioned above
are
not covered under warranty.
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