With the increasing use of up to 10% ethanol in all grades of gasoline and ever increasingly pushing towards E85 fuel, there are numerous drawbacks to ethanol blended gas as well as ethanol based fuel such as E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).

Ethanol is a very effective “consumer” of water or moisture from condensation. It is so effective that when all available supplies of water in a tank has been consumed, ethanol will actually attract or draw additional water into its environment from the atmosphere. The term for this action is “Hygroscopic”.  

Drawbacks to water and/or ethanol in fuel include but are not limited to the following:

·        Potential for “Phase Separation” – gas and ethanol separating; creating layers of different octane ratings and different levels of ethanol concentration.

·        Water allows for rust, corrosion and scale.

·        Increased vapor pressure; increased rate of evaporation.

·        Poor storage stability.

·        Highly reduced upper cylinder lubrication.

·        Increased stress on piston rings (compression ring specifically).

·    Lower power and fuel economy.

·   Power robbing deposit formation.

The use of specific Premium Select Products can help overcome or eliminate the above listed drawbacks.

Dispersants will help to prevent phase separation. Corrosion inhibitors stop rust and scale. These products will help to stabilize the vapor pressure and greatly enhance storage stability. Oxidation inhibitors stop fuel breakdown and polymerization in its tracks. Oiliness additives lubricate the upper cylinder area and allow peak piston ring flexibility for maximum performance.

Additionally, powerful acid neutralizers stop corrosive wear and help prevent the formation of carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. And lastly, these products are very effective in the control and dispersion of water accumulations. In fact, Phaser 3000 will not only disperse but totally absorb up to 400 ppm of water when used at a ratio of 1:500. The amount is linear so as the ratio increases the amount of water dispersed decreases.

Below is a chart showing the Premium Select Products, Protect-O-Lube 400, Protect-O-Lube Plus 403, and Fuel Stabilizer Phaser 3000, with the specific ethanol and/or water-related problems for which each product is recommended. All offer excellent performance in ethanol blended gasolines.