Ethanol-blended fuels can cause damage to vehicles not specifically designed to handle them, particularly older models. The increased ethanol content can degrade fuel system components like fuel lines, rubber seals, and gaskets, leading to leaks and potential engine problems.
Ethanol is more corrosive than gasoline and can corrode metal fuel tanks and lines, especially in older vehicles. It can degrade rubber and plastic components in the fuel system, causing swelling, cracking, or brittleness, leading to leaks and other issues. This can result in clogged fuel injectors, fuel leaks, and other fuel system malfunctions. Some users have even reported decreased fuel efficiency and sluggish performance with E20 fuel in older vehicles.
Vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends (like E20) may experience these issues, while newer vehicles would be designed to handle it. Some insurers have raised concerns about potential damage and may deny coverage for issues related to E20 fuel in incompatible vehicles.
There are concerns about the long-term impact on the longevity of older engines, with some users reporting more frequent repairs. In some cases, older vehicles have experienced fuel pump and injector wear due to contaminated fuel. Be aware of the ethanol content at the fuel pump, as some stations may not clearly label the blend. Older vehicles may require more frequent maintenance or component replacement to mitigate potential damage from ethanol-blended fuels.
Let us discuss these issues in more details. Here’s how ethanol can potentially damage your vehicle:
(a) Material degradation Corrosion: Ethanol is corrosive, and its hygroscopic nature (ability to absorb water) can exacerbate this problem, leading to rust and corrosion in metal parts of the fuel system, including the fuel tank and fuel lines.
(b) Rubber and Plastic: Ethanol can degrade rubber and plastic components like fuel lines, hoses, seals, and gaskets not compatible with higher ethanol blends. This can cause shrinkage, swelling, hardening, or cracking, potentially leading to leaks, loss of pressure, and inconsistent fuel delivery.
(c) Fuel system issues Clogging: Ethanol’s solvent properties can strip away deposits in the fuel tank, potentially clogging fuel filters and injectors and leading to poor performance and increased maintenance needs.
(d) Phase Separation: When ethanol-blended fuel absorbs enough water, it can lead to phase separation, where the water and ethanol separate from the gasoline and settle at the bottom of the fuel tank. This water-ethanol layer can cause engine misfires, stalling, and other problems if it enters the engine.
(e) Fuel Pump and Injector Wear: Contaminated fuel, phase separation, and the solvent properties of ethanol can contribute to increased wear and tear on the fuel pump and injectors.
(f) Performance and drivability problems Reduced Mileage: Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, potentially leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency, especially in vehicles not optimized for higher ethanol content.
(g) Rough Idling, Cold Start Problems, and Sluggish Acceleration: Incompatible engines may experience rough idling, difficulty with cold starts (especially in carbureted engines and cooler climates), and sluggish acceleration.
(h) Engine Knocking: Leaner air-fuel mixtures in incompatible engines can lead to increased engine temperatures and potential knocking if the ignition timing isn’t adjusted.
If concerned about ethanol damage, try to find fuel stations that offer ethanol-free gasoline or use premium fuels like XP95 or XP100 which may have lower ethanol content.
While these are potential concerns, the extent of the damage can vary depending on factors like the vehicle’s age, design, and the ethanol concentration in the fuel. Newer vehicles designed for higher ethanol blends may experience fewer problems compared to older models.
But for the time being, using Ethanol-blended fuels in India is a big no and is more trouble than solution says Praveen Dalal.