#1: Ethanol Blended Gasoline Author: 51hornet, Location: Edmonton Alberta CanadaPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 12:10 pm ---- I had always heard that ethanol blended gasolines are better for old cars as the gas burns cleaner due to the fact the ethanol increases the volatility of the gas. Thought I would put it to the test on my scope which has an exhaust gas analyzer.
I ran a tank of normal regular and took a reading from that. This acted as my gas calibration. After I got low on regular I filled up on ethanol blend to make sure I had enough of it in the system to run the test properly.
The ethanol does indeed burn cleaner. The CO2 emission was lower and the O2 was higher plus the exhaust ran leaner which means more of the gas was being burned.
Probably not hard to believe as in the old days they used to sell ethanol blends. Only drawback is the volatility of ethanol blends means more of evaporates meaning you need to fill up more. I have not seen a huge rate of evaporation so I don't think its a big concern. With the oil situation you will see more ethanol blends which is good for us running Hudsons.
