Rajan Wilcox
Ethanol-free gasoline, also known as recreation fuel, is a type of fuel that is often used in outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, and boats. While it is generally approved for usage in small engines, some people worry about the potential impact of rec fuel on their cars. The main concern is that ethanol-free gas may contain higher concentrations of ethanol than recommended for automobiles, which can cause issues with the fuel injection and timing. However, many people use rec fuel in their cars without any reported problems, and some even notice improved fuel economy and performance. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to refer to the owner's manual and seek advice from mechanics or automotive experts before using any type of fuel in your vehicle.
Will REC fuel hurt my car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ethanol-free gas | Not harmful to car engines |
| Ethanol blends | Commonly found in gas stations; indicated by E number (e.g. E10) |
| High ethanol content | Can cause engine damage in outdoor power equipment (e.g. lawn mowers, chainsaws) |
| Water absorption | Ethanol absorbs water, leading to engine issues; replace fuel every 2-3 weeks |
| Solvent properties | Ethanol dissolves plastic, rubber, fiberglass, etc., causing issues in small engines |
| Fuel injection | Computer-controlled fuel injection assumes 10-15% ethanol; higher amounts can cause issues |
| REC fuel | More expensive but can improve performance and fuel economy |
| Storage | Ethanol-free gas is better for storage |
| Availability | REC fuel may be available at marinas and select gas stations |
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What You'll Learn
- Ethanol-free gas is better for storage and small engines
- E10 gas absorbs more water than standard gasoline, which can cause engine issues
- Ethanol dissolves plastic, rubber and fibreglass, potentially damaging small engines
- Recreational fuel is more expensive but can improve engine performance
- Using ethanol gas with too much ethanol can cause issues with the computer controlling the fuel injection
Ethanol-free gas is better for storage and small engines
In small engines, ethanol-based fuels burn hotter, which can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. Additionally, ethanol attracts moisture from the air, leading to phase separation, where water separates from the gasoline and settles at the bottom of the gas tank. This can cause corrosion and clogging of the fuel system, resulting in starting issues. Ethanol is also a solvent that can dissolve plastic, rubber, and fiberglass, causing further damage to small engines.
Ethanol-free gas is also better for storage. Ethanol-blended gas has a shorter shelf life and can start to break down in as little as 15 days. It absorbs water over time, leading to poor engine performance. On the other hand, ethanol-free gas can last for a year or more, making it a more reliable option for those who need to store fuel for extended periods.
Some people choose to mix REC gas with regular gas to improve the performance of their small engines. However, it is important to note that using ethanol-free gas is generally recommended for small engines to avoid potential issues and repairs.
Overall, ethanol-free gas is a better choice for storage and small engines due to its longer shelf life and reduced risk of engine damage. By choosing ethanol-free gas, users can help ensure their equipment runs smoothly and avoid the costly repairs associated with ethanol-related issues.
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E10 gas absorbs more water than standard gasoline, which can cause engine issues
E10 fuel is a blend of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. It is becoming more and more popular as a fuel source, and in many areas, it is already the most commonly available fuel. This is because E10 fuel is cheaper than regular gasoline and is considered more environmentally friendly.
Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture from the air. E10 gas absorbs up to 50 times more water than standard gasoline. This can lead to poor engine performance and even cause serious issues with steel fuel tanks, lines, and engine components. If left exposed to the outside atmosphere for too long, the fuel will absorb moisture from the air, which can cause issues if it makes its way into your engine.
In addition, ethanol has a higher solvent content than petrol and can dissolve plastic, rubber, and fiberglass. This can cause serious problems for small engines, especially those with older rubber fuel lines, seals, and gaskets. If you drive a high-performance car, E10 fuel may also reduce your car's performance due to its lower octane rating.
To avoid engine issues, it is recommended that you replace the gas in your fuel tank every 2-3 weeks. If you intend to leave your car unused for a long period, it may be safer to drain the tank of E10 fuel.
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Ethanol dissolves plastic, rubber and fibreglass, potentially damaging small engines
Ethanol is a solvent and drying agent that can dissolve old gum and varnish deposits from the gas tank and fuel lines. However, it can also dissolve plastic, rubber, fibreglass and more, potentially damaging small engines.
Ethanol is now commonly blended with gasoline, with the percentage of ethanol indicated by the E-number. For example, E10 means the gas mixture contains 10% ethanol. While this is fine for automobiles, when it comes to outdoor power equipment like lawnmowers, chainsaws, trimmers and leaf blowers, you run the risk of engine damage and costly repairs.
Ethanol is also hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb water over time, leading to poor engine performance. This can cause phase separation, where the ethanol/water mixture falls to the bottom of the fuel container, resulting in potentially damaging lean-burn conditions. The end result is often a carburetor ruined with rust and corrosion.
In addition, ethanol can corrode engines, harm rubber and plastic, and create harmful deposits, leading to further costly repairs. For these reasons, it is recommended to use ethanol-free gas in small engine outdoor power equipment.
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Recreational fuel is more expensive but can improve engine performance
Recreational fuel, also known as REC-90 gasoline, is a type of ethanol-free fuel. It is commonly used in vehicles that require high fuel performance without ethanol, such as motorcycles and boats. It is also suitable for small engines in recreational vehicles like ATVs, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and chainsaws.
The benefits of using recreational fuel include its ability to keep engines clean and efficient. Specifically, it helps prevent the buildup of deposits, which can lead to improved engine performance over time. Additionally, recreational fuel is known for its clean-burning properties and minimal impact on engine components.
One of the primary advantages of recreational fuel is its ethanol-free composition, making it ideal for engines sensitive to ethanol. Ethanol has the potential to attract moisture and cause engine damage over time. By using recreational fuel, users can avoid fuel system problems commonly associated with ethanol blends, such as moisture buildup and the dissolution of plastic, rubber, and fiberglass.
While recreational fuel is more expensive than regular gasoline, it can offer improved engine performance and efficiency. High-octane fuels, like recreational fuel, enable high-compression engines to operate efficiently, even under high pressure and heat conditions. The octane rating of 90 in recreational fuel indicates its ability to resist "knocking" in engines, resulting in smoother and more powerful performance.
Some users have reported noticeable improvements in their vehicles' performance when using recreational fuel. For example, one boat owner observed a 3 mph increase in speed and better fuel economy when using recreational fuel. However, it is important to note that the price difference may not always be justified for some users, especially when compared to the marginal gains in performance.
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Using ethanol gas with too much ethanol can cause issues with the computer controlling the fuel injection
Ethanol is now a common component of the gas pumped from almost every gas station. The percentage of ethanol in the blend is indicated by the E number, for example, E10 contains 90% gas and 10% ethanol. Ethanol is an excellent solvent and cleaner, and it is used to clean gum, varnish, dirt, and rust deposits from fuel systems. However, ethanol can also cause issues with fuel injectors, particularly in older engines built before 2001, and in engines with electronic fuel injection (EFI).
In engines with EFI, the vehicle's computer controls the fuel injection and timing, assuming that the fuel being burned contains only 10-15% ethanol. However, it is not uncommon for gas stations to accidentally add too much ethanol to their fuel, and this can cause issues with the computer controlling the fuel injection. The computer expects the gas to have a certain density and emissions profile based on the assumed ethanol content, and when the actual ethanol content is higher, the computer may not function as intended.
Additionally, ethanol has a corrosive effect on fuel systems, particularly on steel and iron alloys. It can also dissolve rubber and plastic parts in older engines, leading to sticky residue that can clog fuel injectors and other engine components. This residue can cause poor engine performance and even damage to the engine.
To avoid issues with ethanol content, it is recommended to use gasoline with a healthy dose of detergent, as this can help mitigate the effects of ethanol. It is also important to regularly replace the gas in your fuel tank, as ethanol breaks down faster than straight gasoline and can absorb water, leading to potential engine issues.
In summary, while ethanol is a common component of modern gasoline, it is important to be aware of its potential effects on fuel injectors and engine performance, particularly in older engines or those with EFI. To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to use gasoline with detergent and to regularly replace the gas in your fuel tank.
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Frequently asked questions
REC fuel, or fuel with ethanol, will not hurt your car. However, it is not recommended for outdoor power equipment with small engines, like lawn mowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, as it can cause engine damage.
REC fuel is fuel with ethanol. It is also known as E10 fuel, which contains 90% gas and 10% ethanol.
Some people choose to use REC fuel because it can improve engine performance and fuel economy, although this may not be significant enough to justify the price difference. Additionally, ethanol can absorb water, which can impact engine performance.
Ethanol can eat up rubber and seals, causing deposits in places like carb jets and impacting the performance of carburetors. It can also absorb water, which can lead to engine issues.
REC fuel can be found at some gas stations, particularly marinas. However, it may be challenging to find in certain locations.
