Is ethanol hero or villain? Hmm, here's an excellent explanation why ethanol is here for the long run! But is it good or bad? Read this and the link (for more) and decides for yourself! Her's the link--https://extension.psu.edu/fuel-ethanol-hero-or-villain
In the end analysis, is ethanol a net benefit or a step in the wrong direction? It may be fun to debate various opinions on that, but the bottom line is that it is a matter of personal opinion as to whether the positives or negatives are more compelling. For most of us, ethanol blends do not affect the performance of our engines. However, if you own older equipment or devices that sit idle for long periods of time, a few commonsense precautions can help minimize problems and maximize performance for your machinery
Benefits of Ethanol
While challenges from fuel ethanol are certainly real, they are not the entire story. Ethanol also provides benefits that should be taken into consideration. The most significant benefits include the following:Oxygenation
Before ethanol was blended with gasoline, the United States used a fuel additive called MTBE to oxygenate the fuel, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces air emissions. The problem with MTBE is that it is extremely toxic and can pollute groundwater if spilled. Ethanol oxygenates the fuel and is much safer for the water supply.Boosts octane
Ethanol boosts the octane number of fuel, which helps prevent pre-ignition knock. Incidentally, the octane rating system for fuels was originally developed by Penn State chemist Russell Marker in the 1920s. The octane rating (Anti-Knock Index, AKI) of normal unleaded gasoline in the United States is 87. The octane rating of pure ethanol is 100. What's interesting is that when ethanol is blended with gasoline, it performs as if its octane rating is 112, making ethanol a very effective octane booster when used in gasoline. High octane is one reason why NASCAR uses ethanol for their high-compression racing engines. Engines that are designed and optimized for ethanol fuel have the potential to run at higher efficiencies than engines designed for and using gasoline.Price
One of the toughest benefits to get a handle on is the impact of ethanol on fuel prices, and economists enjoy debating this issue. However, it is reasonable to say that having an extra 10 percent of our gasoline provided by ethanol is increasing the total amount of fuel available while eliminating the need for other oxygenates and octane boosters, thus exerting a downward pressure on petroleum prices.Ethanol is Renewable
Ethanol from corn or other crops can be grown and produced year after year after year. The same cannot be said of gasoline.Supports domestic agriculture
The U.S. farm economy has benefited from ethanol to the tune of billions of dollars per year. This includes as much as an estimated 70,000 direct jobs and 330,000 indirect jobs, usually in rural areas and small towns. In years when the corn yield is high and commodity prices dip, ethanol can be a farm saver for thousands of farmers each year. In Pennsylvania, farmers that supply the local ethanol plant have received a premium above commodity rates for their corn.What Should Engine Owners do?
Unless the technology, economics, and politics of fuel change dramatically, we can expect ethanol to be a part of the fuel supply for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, what should engine owners do to make the most of their fuel?Check and maintain your engine
Find out if your equipment is suitable for ethanol-blended fuel. If not, you should find out from the manufacturer if modifications can be made to your engine or additives can be used to make the fuel compatible.Maintain your infrequently used equipment
Lawnmowers, boats, hobby cars, and the like should receive extra attention when not in use. Add fuel stabilizer if the equipment will be idle for more than a few weeks, and avoid keeping stored fuel for long periods of time. Some small engine manufacturers recommend using fuel stabilizer mixed with gasoline at all times, not only when storing equipment.Don't let ethanol be an excuse
Often ethanol is blamed for the malfunctions of poorly maintained equipment. Don't let that happen to you. Keep your engine clean and your cooling system in good shape, and perform regular maintenance as appropriate. There is truth to the saying, "If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you."Try a comparison
If you are convinced that ethanol is causing problems with your engine, track down a seller of ethanol-free gasoline (the Internet is a good starting point for a search), and try a tankful to see if it makes a difference. If it does, you may need to "go the extra mile" to get your fuel from a specialized ethanol-free fuel supplier. Antique car owners and small engine operators are the most likely people to need this approach. Fortunately, most of us won't have to go to that extreme.Have a glass of water
The clean, pure water that most of us enjoy is being protected by ethanol's replacement of MTBE. Let's keep that in mind and be thankful that future generations have better prospects for pure water due to the use of fuel ethanol.In the end analysis, is ethanol a net benefit or a step in the wrong direction? It may be fun to debate various opinions on that, but the bottom line is that it is a matter of personal opinion as to whether the positives or negatives are more compelling. For most of us, ethanol blends do not affect the performance of our engines. However, if you own older equipment or devices that sit idle for long periods of time, a few commonsense precautions can help minimize problems and maximize performance for your machinery
