The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it would temporarily allow widespread sales of a higher ethanol gas blend in a move that they hope will tamp down consumer prices that have soared since the Iran war began.
The sale of E15 is typically discontinued in the summer because it can contribute to harmful air pollution.
Not all are convinced the move will substantially lower gas prices. E15 isn’t available in all states and some places don’t have the necessary infrastructure or enough of a supply of ethanol to ramp up use, said Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment who studies the impacts of transportation regulations on prices, emissions and consumer welfare.
Ethanol can still cause carbon build up as it is made of carbon and at high temps can form carbon non polar byproducts
Isn’t that the reason they still sell ethanol free gas, because it gunks up small engines?
Sorta, but that’s not usually from burning the fuel. Ethanol attacks rubber in older engines, so that can be a source of gunk.
But usually it’s because ethanol absorbs water and small engines often sit longer with fuel in them. Also, when gas with ethanol evaporates, it leaves a varnish that can clog stuff up.
Also, it has more oxygen available and can burn hotter, which is rough for some small engines, especially air-cooled ones.
Yes its absolute garbage for older vehicles too. When it dries out it leaves a chunky white powder that will kill a carburetor.