https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Dubuque-mechanic-explains-effects-of-using-E15-fuel-on-older-vehicles-496349301.html
Dubuque mechanic explains effects of using E15 fuel
By Allison Wong, KCRG-TV9 | Posted: Tue 7:09 PM, Oct 09, 2018 | Updated: Wed 9:42 AM, Oct 10, 2018
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) -- As President Donald Trump is expected to allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol year-round, a Dubuque mechanic explains what types of engines can handle this bio-fuel.
Currently, the sale of E15 fuel is not allowed during the summer months because environmental groups claim it would increase smog on hot days.
The American Petroleum Institute also opposes the year-round sale. It argues it could lead to people misfueling their vehicles.
McCann's Service Mechanic Ben Shaffer said if you have a vehicle that's newer than 2001, it will be fine to run on this E15 fuel.
Any car older than 2001 is what you have to worry about, Shaffer said.
Shaffer said if you use any type of ethanol mix fuel in an older vehicle, the effects might not be noticed right away, but in the long-run it could damage the engine.
"It does kind of degrade the seal and it can cause the fuel injectors, maybe clogged up a little bit, which is going to hurt you in the long run, because then you’re not getting as good of fuel economy out of it," he explained.
For the newer cars, Shaffer said bio-fuel has its benefits.
He said, "it's a stronger fuel, so it actually resists burning because now engines have a higher compression. And the higher the compression you have, you need the gasoline not to burn as quickly. So what it's doing is not burning off as quickly."
Right now most gasoline is mixed with about 10 percent ethanol. Shaffer doesn't expect an additional five percent to affect cars.
"The newer cars are designed for it," he said.
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