32
Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasoline's are being blended
with alcohol or an ether compound. These
gasoline's are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean IR 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 (The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
approved percentages of oxygenates:
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"
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 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.
