Fuel - Alcohol Blend Warning
83renault17E
OCTOBER 1983
ALL AMC/JEEP/RENAULT VEHICLES
ENGINE
Attention: Workshop, Parts Department.
ALCOHOL BLEND FUELS
Information
Alcohol blend fuels containing excessive quantities of ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) or methyl alcohol (Methanol) can damage fuel system components causing driveability problems.
Because of the problem potential associated with the use of alcohol blend fuels, this I.S. Note is to advise of the effects of its use.
Definition of Gasohol
Gasohol is a fuel blend consisting of 10% ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) and 90% unleaded gasoline. Ethanol is a grain alcohol.
Fuel blends containing Methanol consist of methyl alcohol, cosolvents and corrosion inhibiters and unleaded gasoline. Methyl alcohol is a wood alcohol derivative and highly corrosive.
NOTE: The cosolvents used in Methanol are needed to enhance solubility. The corrosion inhibitors are needed to counteract the highly corrosive nature of methyl alcohol.
Gasohol Use
Fuel blends containing more than 3% Methanol are not acceptable and must not be used in any AMC/Jeep/Renault vehicles.
The only alcohol fuel blend mixture acceptable for occasional use in AMC/Jeep/Renault vehicles is Gasohol (10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline). Although this mixture is acceptable, it is not recommended nor endorsed by American Motors Corporation.
CAUTION: Gasohol with 10% Ethanol is acceptable for occasional use only. Exclusive use may result in eventual fuel system damage caused by corrosion.
Gasohol Identification
Most alcohol-gasoline fuel blends (including the type of alcohol in the blend) are identified on the pump. However, some suppliers and service stations sell gasoline containing alcohol that is not identified as such. In addition, if the fuel is advertised as Gasohol, the owner must be sure that it is 10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline. Do not fill the vehicle tank until fuel content can be determined.
Alcohol Base Fuel Additives
Alcohol base fuel additives being marketed as octane boosters are not recommended. Most of these additives contain very high percentages of Methanol which is extremely corrosive. Do not use these products.
Effect of Gasohol Use on Vehicle Warranty
Gasohol is not expressly recommended by AMC, Jeep or Renault. Fuel system damage caused by its use may not be covered under warranty. This also applies to paint damage caused by Gasohol fuel spills.
Problem Potential of Improperly Blended Alcohol Fuels
The Ethanol and Methanol used in fuel blends are both corrosive by nature with Methanol being the more corrosive of the two. Because of this chemical property, excessive quantities of alcohol in a fuel blend can result in premature deterioration of fuel system components.
A brief list of potential problems caused by improperly blended, or excessive use of alcohol blend fuels is outlined below.
^ Corrosion of fuel system components including the inside of the fuel tank, steel fuel lines, and the carburetor and fuel pump. The zinc and aluminum alloys and the Terne coating in the fuel tank are especially susceptible to alcohol corrosion.
^ Deterioration and/or failure of synthetic rubber or plastic fuel system parts such as O-rings, accelerator pump cups and/or diaphragms, gaskets, needle valves, and floats. Excessive quantities of Methanol may even partially dissolve some synthetic components.
^ No-start condition caused by blocked fuel filter, line or pump. As material is etched from system components, it will accumulate and eventually block these components.
^ No-start condition caused by fuel system icing. The presence of water will cause the fuel to separate into two layers. The alcohol-water layer is heavier than gasoline and will sink to the tank bottom covering the fuel outlet.
^ Paint damage caused by fuel spills. This type of damage is not covered by the vehicle warranty.
^ Shop comebacks and owner dissatisfaction.
If evidence indicates that an owner is using incorrect alcohol fuel blends or is using excessive amounts of Gasohol, advise the owner to resume use of the recommended grade of gasoline described in the Owner's Manual.
Filing Instructions
File this I.S. Note in your M.R. 171 binder.