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Oxygenated Fuels
Technical Information
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.
ETHANOL (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’’.
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:
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15% by
Volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15%
MTBE by volume.
METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by
Volume
You may use gasoline containing methanol
containing up to 5% methanol by volume as
long as it 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.
(cont’d)
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