Tag: Small engines

According to the Colorado State University Extension, mixing methyl and ethyl alcohol with gasoline can lead to phase separation under certain conditions. This can have significant consequences for vehicle performance and engine health, making it crucial to understand what happens if gas and alcohol mix.

Over the past decade, ethanol-blended gasoline has significantly impacted carbureted engines, causing a range of problems from material degradation to performance issues. If you own an older vehicle, motorcycle, or any small engine with a carburetor, understanding how and why is ethanol bad for carbs is critical for long-term maintenance and operation.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, denatured ethanol (98% ethanol) contains about 30% less energy per gallon than gasoline, directly affecting fuel economy. The debate over which is better, ethanol or no ethanol, is a complex one, with the ideal choice depending on your vehicle's age, engine type, and usage patterns.