TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INIFORMATION Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether
compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels.
To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use
oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum
octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some
states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.
The following are the EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL - (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed
under the name “Gasohol”.
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by
volume.
METHANOL - (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by
volume, as long as it also contains cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline con-
taining more than 5% methanol by volume may cause
starting and/or performance problems. It may also dam-
age metal, rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station,
or switch to another brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an
oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates men-
tioned above are not covered under warranty.
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