Ethanol Fuel (E10 & E15) Problems and Treatments

Ethanol Fuel (E10 & E15) Problems and Treatments

The main problem with ethanol fuel is that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. Even fuel with a small amount or ethanol such as an E10 blend can absorb up to 50% more water from the atmosphere than gasoline. Once the amount of water in the fuel reaches saturation point, it causes the fuel to separate into two layers; one thick and one thin. The thick layer contains gasoline and a small amount of ethanol. The thin layer contains water with ethanol. Even a small amount of water will cause this separation. Even in a modern sealed fuel system water can separate out, for example when there are changes in temperature.

Another problem is that ethanol fuel is corrosive; it can damage rubber or plastic components in your fuel system such as diaphragms, hoses and seals. Alcohol is a solvent and it can actually remove deposits from the engine. These deposits can settle elsewhere – such as in the injectors. A lot of older fuel systems are not designed to cope with ethanol. If you have an older motorcycle it’s even more critical to take some care when using an E10 fuel.

Ethanol fuel problems tend to be exacerbated the longer the fuel sits around without use. E15 is quite a controversial blend approved for use by the EPA in June 2012 for vehicles built after 2001. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) have warned about the problems with E15.

Ethanol fuel affects fuel longevity; it lowers octane rating, produces poor engine performance, causes corrosion and rust of metal parts, gums up the injectors and clogs fuel filters.

So what should you do to avoid ethanol fuel problems?
The best thing you can do is to use an Ethanol Fuel additive that will help avert all of these problems. If you don’t use your motorcycle very often then it would be best to use a treatment that also contains a stabilizer. If you ride and refuel regularly then you might want to use a fuel additive that will keep the engine clean and running smoothly. Click here to review 3 of the most popular Ethanol Fuel Treatments