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Here in eastern Maryland, we're being forced to use ethanol gas. The regular no-lead is being phased out. Our car needs high-test, and is very unforgiving of anything less. Ethanol absorbs impurities (clogging filters) and water. Is this going to make our car knock or have less horsepower? They say 10% won't make any difference on performance. Anyone believe that?
Ethanol has a high octane rating so it will not affect combustion or cause knocking and there is no evidence that it will clog filters. BUT, it does have 30% less energy content than gasoline so if they are phasing in 10% ethanol expect a 6 to 10% drop in gas mileage.
I agree with the previous poster. They phased in 10% ethanol in NY a few years back when they phased out MTBE....MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) was found to seep from ground tanks and contaminate the ground and water while ethanol did not. However, ethanol did not burn as clean as MTBE so its sort of a catch 22. Due to the less energy content in the ethanol, even at 10%, I have seen a drop in gas mileage in my fiancee's 03 Corolla. ....nothing super drastic. But with the fuel costs fluctuating the way they do, every little bit counts and I attribute the slight decrease in fuel milage to the ethanol. The car has better mileage when we are out of state using gas that does not contain the ethanol and driving conditions are the same.
Yes, ethanol has considerably less BTUs per gallon, resulting in lower mileage and less engine horsepower. When given a choice, I always opt for 100% gasoline.
Here in eastern Maryland, we're being forced to use ethanol gas. The regular no-lead is being phased out. Our car needs high-test, and is very unforgiving of anything less. Ethanol absorbs impurities (clogging filters) and water. Is this going to make our car knock or have less horsepower? They say 10% won't make any difference on performance. Anyone believe that?
i've measured, in two cars, a loss of 2mpg highway using 10% ethanol'd gas. i avoid it.
True. Now how much fossil fuel had to go into producting the ethanol? The net energy gain or loss needs to be honestly discussed as well as the impact on food prices from so much American farm land being used to product ethanol.
True. Now how much fossil fuel had to go into producting the ethanol? The net energy gain or loss needs to be honestly discussed as well as the impact on food prices from so much American farm land being used to product ethanol.
Typically for every 1 part production energy you only get 1.3 parts fuel energy output. That coupled with increase consumption already mentioned, the severaly adverse effect on the production facility water table, the resulting increased food cost (most of you have seen) not mention BEER! Another issue that is coming to lite is the increased carbon output... not directly from the fuel but from the fact that much land that was before in conservation programs is being turned back corn production and the carbon that was sequesteried in the soil is now being relaesed into the atmosphere...
That is if you believe all that carbon hogwash, gorean brainwashing crap...............
True. Now how much fossil fuel had to go into producting the ethanol? The net energy gain or loss needs to be honestly discussed as well as the impact on food prices from so much American farm land being used to product ethanol.
BINGO!!! One of the few brave enough to say it, and don't forget about the water used to produce ethanol.....an enormous amount!
BINGO!!! One of the few brave enough to say it, and don't forget about the water used to produce ethanol.....an enormous amount!
i've been saying that all along. or how about the extra damage to the dead zone in the gulf of mexico, or a few recent reports that say ethanol fumes are probably MORE harmfull to the environment.
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