Ameer Randolph
Oxygenated fuel is a type of automotive fuel that contains a percentage of oxygen. It is designed to reduce carbon monoxide emissions from vehicle exhausts. While it is a popular choice for racing fuels, with some claiming it can increase engine power, it has also been known to cause issues with carburetors in some vehicles and equipment. This is due to its natural affinity to absorb water, which can lead to phase separation and corrosion if left unused for extended periods. Despite this, oxygenated fuel is considered safe for modern engines and is even mandated in certain regions during winter months to combat carbon monoxide pollution.
Characteristics and Values of Oxygenated Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on mileage | Reduced mileage |
| Effect on performance | May affect performance |
| Effect on engine | Washes out deposits of contaminants from fuel lines and fuel tanks, which then clog the gas filter |
| Effect on fuel filter | Clogged by varnish, dye, and dirt |
| Effect on health | Headache, lung congestion, and phlegm |
| Effect on carburetor jets | Requires bigger jets |
| Effect on horsepower | Gain of 7-10 horsepower |
| Effect on fuel efficiency | Ethanol is less efficient than gasoline |
| Effect on fuel system | Requires modification to run oxygenated fuels |
| Effect on fuel shelf life | Shorter shelf life than non-oxygenated fuel |
| Effect on corrosion | Higher chance of moisture buildup and/or corrosion |
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What You'll Learn
- Oxygenated fuel can help a race engine produce more power
- Oxygenated fuel is poorly suited to seasonal-use equipment and small engines
- Oxygenated fuel is used to combat carbon monoxide pollution from auto exhausts
- Oxygenated fuel can be more expensive than non-oxygenated fuel
- Oxygenated fuel is not harmful to modern engines
Oxygenated fuel can help a race engine produce more power
Oxygenated fuel can help a race engine produce significantly more power than the same engine running on standard race gas. The more oxygen in the fuel, the more power is produced when it ignites. This is because more of the oxygenated fuel has to be burned to make additional power.
Oxygenated fuel is a popular choice for crate engine classes, where even a small gain in horsepower and torque can be significant. The fuel's improvement in low- to mid-range torque is also beneficial for circle track or road racing, where there is rapid acceleration and deceleration.
The amount of additional power produced by oxygenated fuel can be difficult to measure. While it may only produce a small increase in peak horsepower, oxygenated fuel can significantly increase torque and acceleration in the midrange. This acceleration is what moves a vehicle around a track or down a drag strip.
Oxygenated fuel can also be harder on the components in a fuel system, particularly rubber components like the power valve plunger, carburetor gaskets, and the fuel pump and pressure regulator. This is likely because oxygenated fuels typically contain greater amounts of methanol in the blend. Oxygenated fuels are also more volatile and burn more fuel than standard race gas.
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Oxygenated fuel is poorly suited to seasonal-use equipment and small engines
Oxygenated fuel is not suitable for seasonal-use equipment and small engines due to the risk of phase separation, corrosion, and other issues. Oxygenated fuel, such as ethanol-blended fuel, can affect the integrity of plastic and rubber components in smaller engines, leading to engine clogging, high running temperatures, and poor performance.
Ethanol has a higher octane rating than non-ethanol fuel, causing it to burn faster and hotter. This can impact critical engine timing, spark timing, compression ratio, and the air-to-fuel ratio. While modern automobiles can accommodate these variations due to computerized fuel injection systems, smaller and less complex engines in outdoor power tools lack these capabilities, making them susceptible to damage.
Additionally, oxygenated fuel is not ideal for seasonal-use equipment as it does not handle prolonged storage well. Oxygenated fuel has the potential for phase separation when left sitting for extended periods, leading to water and gas separation and possible corrosion. This can occur when the water percentage exceeds 0.5% (5000 ppm) due to improper storage practices.
To avoid issues with oxygenated fuel in seasonal-use equipment, it is recommended to run the engine until the tank is empty before storing the equipment for an extended period. Alternatively, if a substantial amount of fuel remains, filling the tank completely and sealing it airtight can prevent air and water from entering, thus reducing the risk of phase separation.
While oxygenated fuel may not be ideal for seasonal-use equipment and small engines, it is important to note that modern engines in newer cars are designed to handle these fuels without any harm. However, some people still prefer non-oxygenated fuel to avoid potential issues with moisture buildup, corrosion, and fuel mileage.
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Oxygenated fuel is used to combat carbon monoxide pollution from auto exhausts
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odourless, and colourless gas that is highly toxic. It is a by-product of the partial combustion of organic compounds. It is considered immediately dangerous at concentrations above 1000ppm. In 2011, 52% of carbon monoxide emissions in the US came from motor vehicles. In large cities, more than 70% of air pollution comes from motor vehicle emissions.
However, oxygenated fuel has been reported to cause issues with carburetors, with some customers refusing to use it. It has also been associated with reduced fuel mileage. Furthermore, pump gasoline blends vary between summer and winter, making carburetor tuning more challenging.
Non-oxygenated fuel is limited to use in collector cars, off-road vehicles, and boat motors. It is also becoming harder to find and more expensive.
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Oxygenated fuel can be more expensive than non-oxygenated fuel
On the other hand, oxygenated fuel contains additives like ethanol, butanol, and ethers to increase its oxygen content. While this helps to improve fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions, it also means burning more fuel to get more power, which leads to increased fuel consumption and reduced fuel mileage. The additives in oxygenated fuel can also cause corrosion problems in the engine and require more resources for production, which can drive up the cost.
The higher cost of oxygenated fuel can be a concern for some consumers, as evidenced by comments from customers at a Texaco station in Utah County, who complained about the price and the effect of the fuel on their carburetors. Additionally, non-oxygenated gasoline is becoming harder to find, further limiting the options for those seeking an alternative to oxygenated fuel.
However, it's important to note that the choice between oxygenated and non-oxygenated fuel depends on various factors, including engine type, performance requirements, and environmental considerations. Oxygenated fuel is designed to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and is suitable for standard road vehicles. Non-oxygenated fuel, on the other hand, is better suited for high-performance engines and older vehicles that are not compatible with ethanol blends.
Ultimately, the decision to use oxygenated or non-oxygenated fuel involves weighing the benefits of improved engine performance and efficiency against the potential drawbacks of higher costs and reduced fuel mileage. For those seeking a cost-effective option, non-oxygenated fuel may be the preferred choice, despite its limited availability and environmental impact.
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Oxygenated fuel is not harmful to modern engines
Oxygenated fuels are often used as an alternative to conventional fuels to help provide solutions to many environmental problems. For example, oxygenated fuels can be naturally produced from conventional biomass resources that are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and contribute to sustainability. One of the most preferred oxygenated fuels for internal combustion engines is Di-butyl ether (DBE), which has exemplary characteristics such as odour, flammability, and being a colorless liquid.
Oxygenated fuels have been shown to reduce nitrogen oxides by 17% and smoke opacity by up to 43%. In addition, oxygenated fuel blends have been found to improve fuel economy and significantly reduce NOx and smoke emissions. The use of ethanol or other oxygenated fuels has been a focus of research because of their potential to tackle carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles.
Oxygenated fuel can also be used in racing engines to produce significantly more power than the same engine with standard race gas. While oxygenated fuel may not be suitable for older carbureted engines, modern "smart" engines are able to detect the air-fuel ratio and compensate, preventing the engine from running leaner.
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Frequently asked questions
No, oxygenated fuel will not damage your new car. In fact, it can help a race engine produce significantly more power than standard race gas. However, it is not suitable for seasonal-use equipment and small engines.
Oxygenated fuel is known to have an unpleasant smell. It also tends to absorb water from the atmosphere, which can cause damage to fuel system components if left in the engine for extended periods of time.
Yes, modifications are required to use oxygenated fuel. These include greater output fuel pumps, injectors compatible with oxygenates, and increased carburetor jet size.
