All across the U.S. when you and I go to our local gas stations to fill up our vehicles you will find that unleaded gas will have a blend of ethanol up to 10%. As a U.S consumer what does this ethanol additive mean to me? First, we must understand what Ethanol fuel is? It is the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It can be used as a fuel, mainly as a biofuel alternative to gasoline, and is widely used in cars in different parts of the world. Ethanol is very easy to manufacture and process, and can be made from very common crops, such as sugar cane and corn. So why is ethanol blended with regular gasoline?

Well it is due to the fact that we, the U.S, import approximately 60 percent of the petroleum to make fuels and other petro-products. Of that percentage, approximately 44 percent of U.S imported oil is from the Organization for Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC). We depended heavily on foreign oil and utilizing ethanol is a step in the right direction to decrease our consumption of foreign oil. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has demanded the use of more cleaner burning fuels that will reduce auto emissions in our environment.

Utilizing blended fuels in automobiles has it benefits however what about small utility engines. These are typically air cooled, single or twin cylinder, 4 or 2 stroke engines. These engines include lawn mowers, trimming, pumping, emergency electrical generation and various other utility duties. There have been some potential problems documented with small 4 and 2 stroke engines that are older than 1995 that use ethanol blended gasoline. Small engines older than 1995 have been approved for ethanol blended gasoline.

What are some complications with ethanol blended gasoline and small engines older than 1995.

According to a study performed by the Minnesota Center for Automotive Research, Minnesota State University, Mankato found that smaller engines had the following issues.

1.Corrosion and Wear - Older engines may run a slight risk of breakdown of rubber, cork gaskets, and exposed magnesium and aluminum surfaces in the fuel system when using ethanol blended fuels.

2. Ethanol/Solvent - Small engines that have neglected fuel systems may begin to precipitate old deposits at a greater rate than normal and clog fuel filters and small passage ways.

In conclusion, ethanol does have some tremendous benefit to us as consumers of unleaded gasoline for our cars and trucks. However, there are some minor setbacks as for the usage with older smaller engines with ethanol blended fuels. Data collected says there is no clear evidence one or another but It is very beneficial that older engines be cleaned out with fuel stabilizers and driers that may minimize or eliminate water and corrosion problems. If you suspect engine problems caused by ethanol always use a fuel stabilizer that is alcohol free.