Ethanol Frequently Asked Questions

It doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle your drive, the manufacturer has approved the use of ethanol.  Ethanol has been blended with gasoline at the 10% level for more than 30 years.  Learn the facts about the clean-burning, high performance, renewable fuel produced in Iowa.

How does ethanol affect fuel economy?

For vehicles with carburetors that run rich, ethanol can improve fuel economy.  For most vehicles, the biggest factors affecting fuel mileage are issues like weather, tire inflation, and driving habits.  Cancel out those factors and a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway will average 29.4 miles per gallon on ethanol.

Does ethanol-blended fuel draw water into my fuel system?

Today’s fuel systems are closed so they can’t attract moisture.  In the rare case where some moisture gets in – for example, during fueling – ethanol actually absorbs the moisture and carries it out of the system as the fuel is consumed.  Another bonus is that by filling up with ethanol-blended fuel, consumers do not need to add expensive winter de-icers to the gas tank.

Can ethanol damage fuel pumps and carburetors?

No.  Over 30 years ago, some rubber and metal components in the fuel systems did deteriorate over time, but manufacturers quickly changed those components to make them compatible with ethanol use.

Does ethanol have a negative effect on gasoline prices?

Greater use of ethanol would improve energy security and expand our gasoline supply.  That would help moderate gas price spikes and benefit every American consumer.  Ethanol can help control gas prices in other ways, too. Ethanol’s partial excise tax exemption means that consumers get better fuel value and more octane for less money when they use ethanol-blended fuel.  Typically, E10 sells for 6-10 cents less than regular unleaded. One reason many independent gas stations use high-octane ethanol is that its price efficiency helps them control costs and compete with major oil companies.  Competition helps control prices.

Can ethanol plug my fuel injectors or make them fail?

Early fuel injectors with a pintle design could form deposits that led to fuel seepage – but this happened with any kind of fuel, not just ethanol.  Injectors have been redesigned to prevent this problem, and detergents in all fuels also help provide protection.  Injector failure was a problem on certain vehicles built between 1988 and 1993.  Manufacturers have changed injector designs, and this problem seems to have disappeared.

Can I use ethanol in my lawn mower?

Yes.  Tests completed on lawn mowers, chain saws, weed trimmers and blower vacs with ethanol fuels showed no engine failures, no unscheduled maintenance and good performance.  Small engine manufacturers have long permitted the use of ethanol fuels.

Can I use ethanol in my snowmobile?

Absolutely.  In fact, due to rising concerns about emissions from snowmobiles in some recreation and wilderness areas, the use of ethanol-blended fuel is required to protect air quality.  Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol is approved by all engine warranties – just check your owner’s manual.  Tests completed on SkiDoo Snowmobiles showed no problems with engine parts, pistons were normal and lubrication good. Some manufacturers recommend changing to a larger main carburetor jet size when operating on oxygenated fuel.

Can I use ethanol in my motorboat?

Yes.  Ethanol is the oxygenate of choice in some water recreation areas because of its clean air and clean water benefits.  Extensive testing by Mercury Marine operating 30 different watercraft on ethanol-blended gasoline found that there were “no malfunctions or operational driving difficulties attributable to ethanol blends and no phase separation was noted.”  Honda, Kawasaki, Mercury Marine, OMC (Johnson/Evinrude), Pleasurecraft, Tigershark (Artco), Tracker and Yamaha allow the use of ethanol fuels in their products.

Does it take more energy to make ethanol than it produces?

Absolutely NOT!  Several studies have been conducted using outdated data and inaccurate assumptions – unfortunately these studies are the ones getting media attention.  However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a gallon of ethanol delivers 67% MORE energy than it takes to make it – that includes the energy used to raise the corn crop.  In contrast, a gallon of gasoline contains 15% LESS energy than was in the original crude oil.

Will we deplete human and animal food supplies by using corn and other grains for fuel production?

Actually, the production of ethanol from grain uses only the starch portion of the corn kernel, which is abundant and low in value.  The remaining vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber are sold as high-value livestock feed.

Doesn’t the federal ethanol program take money away from consumers?

No. The federal incentive, which is available to gasoline marketers and oil companies (not ethanol producers) as an incentive to blend their gasoline with domestically-produced ethanol, is a cost-effective program.  It actually returns more revenue to the U.S. Treasury than it costs, due to increased wages and taxes, and reduced unemployment benefits and farm program payments.  At the same time the ethanol program holds down the price of ethanol-blended fuels, which helps American farmers.