Gasoline dilution
11-30-2010, 08:52 PM
#1
Gasoline dilution
I finished reading an article in a boating magazine that raised the subject of alcohol adulterated gasoline. In marine applications, the current 10% alcohol level has raised serious problems with various boats because of the solvent effect.
The government has now raised the permitted alcohol level to 15%. This question has been placed before the boat manufacturers but to the best of my knowledge has not been widely advertised.
Does anyone know whether Porsche has said this change is acceptable for their cars? And, as a corollary, how will the manufacturers meet the new mileage requirements if the energy content of fuels is continually reduced?
The announcement
"The Environmental Protection Agency has approved a controversial proposal to increase the use of ethanol in the nation’s automotive fuel supply – but set strict limits on which vehicles can and can’t use what is referred to as E15.
Initially, only vehicles produced in the 2007 model-year or later will be permitted to fill up on E15, a term that refers to a blend of 85% conventional gasoline and 15% ethanol, an alcohol-based fuel typically produced from grains and other food crops.
Even with that limitation, “That represents more than 1/3 the gasoline consumption today” could be affected by the decision and converted from today’s limit of no more than 10% ethanol, explained EPA Assistant Administrator Regina McCarthy.
And by 2014, as older vehicles head to the junkyard, while newer models take their place, E15 could grow to as much as 50% of the fuel used in the U.S., the EPA official added."
The government has now raised the permitted alcohol level to 15%. This question has been placed before the boat manufacturers but to the best of my knowledge has not been widely advertised.
Does anyone know whether Porsche has said this change is acceptable for their cars? And, as a corollary, how will the manufacturers meet the new mileage requirements if the energy content of fuels is continually reduced?
The announcement
"The Environmental Protection Agency has approved a controversial proposal to increase the use of ethanol in the nation’s automotive fuel supply – but set strict limits on which vehicles can and can’t use what is referred to as E15.
Initially, only vehicles produced in the 2007 model-year or later will be permitted to fill up on E15, a term that refers to a blend of 85% conventional gasoline and 15% ethanol, an alcohol-based fuel typically produced from grains and other food crops.
Even with that limitation, “That represents more than 1/3 the gasoline consumption today” could be affected by the decision and converted from today’s limit of no more than 10% ethanol, explained EPA Assistant Administrator Regina McCarthy.
And by 2014, as older vehicles head to the junkyard, while newer models take their place, E15 could grow to as much as 50% of the fuel used in the U.S., the EPA official added."
