Q: What are the consequences of ethanol affecting all engines that will have ethanol in their gas tanks? I am concerned that ethanol sends virtually all small engines in typical uses, such as lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, etc., prematurely to the repair shop because the ethanol hardens the rubber diaphragm that acts as the fuel pump in the carburetor.
-- Mikiko Nakai, Newnan
A: Low-level ethanol blends are sold in every state. Nearly 90 percent of U.S. gasoline contains up to 10 percent ethanol (E10), Ebony R. Meeks, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Energy, told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. Meeks wrote that fuel blends containing greater than 10 percent ethanol are not approved for small, non-road engines. Most equipment sold in the U.S. is compatible with blends up to 10 percent, but the operators should check the owner's manual or consult their dealer if they are unsure. "Specific problems with fuel filter clogging has been known to occur in older equipment when first switched over to 10 percent ethanol use," Meeks wrote. "Ethanol is a solvent and may loosen sediment or deposits that accumulated in the fuel system over the previous years." The loose sediment may clog the fuel filter or fuel delivery system and cause engine-operating conditions where there is too little fuel. "Such problems are normally a one-time event and often cured by simply changing the fuel filter," Meeks wrote. The department advises that operating an engine uncorrected for an extended period could cause engine damage.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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