Ask Pete

[#1]

Allow me to vent for just a second. When I purchased my SUV, I specifically looked for one that was comfortable, met all my needs for travel, and had a V-6 engine that ran on regular grade fuel. Low and behold, I found what seemed to be the perfect vehicle. When I first took delivery, I took it on a 10-day trip up the East Coast and marveled at its fuel economy.

I routinely got between 23-25 mpg on the highway and 17-19 mpg in the city. As the vehicle broke itself in and is now driven mostly in Florida, I noticed a consistent 20 percent reduction in its fuel economy. The vehicle that used to provide 25 mpg on the highway is now getting 20, and whereas it used to get on average 18 mpg in the city, it now gets maybe 15. It didn't take me long to figure out why its fuel economy went down so much: the continuous use of fuel containing up to 10 percent ethanol. I also discovered that it wasn't specific to my V-6 SUV; it's the same with all my vehicles—including my motorcycle. In fact, I was so concerned that my motorcycle didn't produce the fuel economy the manufacturer boasted that I took it in, thinking there was something wrong.

Now don't get me wrong; I'm all about reducing the carbon footprint by reducing tailpipe emissions, but I'm not in favor of having to burn more fuel due to the reduced combustive properties. Then, to make matters worse, I find I don't really have a choice anymore on whether I can purchase fuel with or without ethanol. Most every gas station I visit has that informative little sticker that warns, "This fuel may contain up to 10 percent ethanol."

It makes me wonder: If E-10 reduced my fuel economy by approximately 20 percent, what will E-85 do? I can't wait! Thank you for letting me vent!

[#2]

I have a 2007 toyota FJ Cruiser with 50,000 miles, use to use the 10% E, now use straight gas. vehicle uses no oil and perforance is very good. But the tailpipe is always black and wet looking, why is that? I am using the K and N aftermarket air filter. 

[#3]

This is actually normal. Part of the catalyzing process that occurs in your catalytic converter will have water or water vapor as the byproduct. Also, if your vehicle sits for any period of time, moisture will form in the exhaust and will be forced out when the engine is running. It doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about.  

[#4]

I also lost MPG from ethanol, about 2MPG. Driving a 2003 Chevy 1500.

[#5]

Florida has decreed 10% ethanol for all suppliers.  Supposed to save cost.  Math is fuzzy.  If ethanol gives only 10% less fuel mileage, I need to buy 10% more fuel for the same mileage.  Where is the savings?  Poor law needs changing.

[#6]

I agree. Like I said earlier, I'm all for lower tailpipe emissions but all I'm seeing in the short term is more expense at the pumps and ultimately this will drive the price of corn and other similar products up in price as well.

[#7]

Well Pete if the vehicle you are driving is E-85 equipped the result will about the same as the E-10 fuel now. The result in emission decrease is a subject of discussion, as the cost of making ethanol when factoring the use of regular fuel is for growing the corn and all related manufacturing makes the carbon footprint larger then just running normal fuel.

Now if we were to change to cane base ethanol the carbon foot drops dramatically. And if you could run 100% ethanol fuels you should actually see better performance/mileage as pure ethanol fuels have the octane rating of about 104. But of course the engine would have to be built to handle the better octane rating to see the better performance.

The extra cost of running blended fuels is what (in theory) should bring down our reliance of imported oils.

[#8]

Good comments and theorizing! Thanks for sharing!

[#9]

My 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier has over 140,000 miles on it, and I'm treating it like a baby to keep it performing well. One recent mystery involves the air conditioning system.  Cold air will blow out, then at some time will fade out ..then kick back in a few minutes later...over and over. It just won't stay on continuously.   Does it sound like the compressor, condenser, or evaporator at fault??  Do you recommend I take it to an A/C specialist, or the dealer?

Thank you!

Dona DeNoyelles 

[#10]

Dona, this may be something as simple as the system is low on refridgerant. This can be handled by most any general repair facility. All AAA Approved Auto Repair faclilities are required to provide this area of repair. The facility search feature is located on the automotive tab of AAA.com Hope this helps!