Why is is that when I use gas mixed with 10% Ethenol that my Gas milage goes down 10% Hmmmmmmm?

Answer 1

There are two immediate thoughts - first, ethanol has a lower energy equivalent than gasoline, and, second your car may not be properly set up to run on a gasoline-ethanol blend.

Just briefly, studies have shown that ethanol does not produce the same amount of energy per gallon as gasoline. Methanol is worse - it only produces about 65% of the energy equivalent as gasoline.

To run most efficiently and get the maximum performance out of gasoline and ethanol blended together, your car needs to be adjusted for that type of fuel. I recommend you contact a dealer in your make of car, rather than an independent mechanic. You don't have to get changes made by the dealer, but their service managers are best equipped to explain what your particular model requires for most efficient performance.

Answer 2

it wouldn't go down that much...

Ethanol has a lower combustional energy than gasoline. Ethanol has about 11,500 BTUs/lbs compared to about 18,000 BTUs/lb gasoline. This represents a 37% decrease in energy yield per volume of fuel. So you should only experience a 3.7% decrease in mileage. The the other 6.3% could be from your engine's inability to properly use ethanol.

Answer 3

Because your engine has to be modified to run on ethanol if it's older than 2005.

Answer 4

I've heard that ethanol--wood alcohol--will evaporate in hotter climates. That may be why.

H

Answer 5

get new plugs or tune up its not the gas