Alcohol Blend Fuel - Recommendations

83chrysler6

Models


All Gasoline Fueled Engines


Subject


Alcohol Blend Fuels (Gasohol)


Index


FUEL


Date July 28, 1983


No..

14-36-83


P-2551-C
Fuel blends containing excessive amounts of alcohol (Ethanol and/or Methanol) can affect driveability and/or possibly result in damage to fuel system components.

Described in this bulletin is the effect on an automotive fuel system when a mis-blended fuel containing alcohol is used.

The following statement will be included in all 1984 domestic model owners manuals and may be used as a guide in resolving driveability or fuel system component failure complaints related to mis-blended fuels:

GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL

Some gasolines sold at service stations contain alcohol, although they may not be so identified. Use of fuels containing alcohol is not recommended, unless the nature of the blend can be determined as being satisfactory.

GASOHOL - A mixture of 10% Ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded gasoline may be used in your vehicle. If driveability problems are experienced as a result of using gasohol, it is recommended that the vehicle be operated on gasoline.

METHANOL - Do not use gasolines containing ethanol (wood alcohol). Use of this type of alcohol can result in vehicle performance deterioration and damage critical parts in the fuel pump, carburetor, and other fuel system components. Fuel system damage and vehicle performance problems, resulting from the use of gasolines containing Methanol, may not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
NOTE: MISBLENDED FUELS CAN CAUSE A NUMBER OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS. IN GENERAL, DRIVEABILITY IS POORER, FUEL ECONOMY IS LOWER, VEHICLE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER, AND FUEL SYSTEM MATERIALS DETERIORATE PREMATURELY.

Outlined below is a brief list of fuel system problems when mis-blended alcohol fuels are used:

1. Corrosion of fuel system components such as the inside of the fuel tank, inside of steel fuel lines, and carburetors (and/or metering systems).

2. Deterioration or failure of synthetic rubber or plastic materials such as O-ring seals, accelerator pump cups or diaphragms, and gaskets.

3. Fuel separation into two layers caused by presence of water in Methanol-gasoline blend. The alcohol-water layer is heavier than gasoline and would sink to the bottom of the tank submerging the fuel inlet with the water-alcohol mix. The engine will not run on the water-alcohol mix.

4. Among the metallic parts which are susceptible to corrosion by alcohol are zinc alloys (Holley carburetors), aluminum alloys (Carter carburetors and fuel pumps), and Terne plate (coating on inside of fuel tanks).

5. Methanol alcohol can cause paint damage. Do not spill during refueling. The new car warranty will not cover this damage.

If you suspect mis-blended alcohol fuel or Methanol is being used in a vehicle advise, the customer to use another brand of gasoline.

POLICY: Information only