Re: ethanol fuel

Posted by Bob M on October 25, 2005 at 08:32:49 from (151.190.254.106):

In Reply to: ethanol fuel posted by bitbythebug on October 24, 2005 at 20:37:03:

Dan - You should be able to run an ethanol/gas blend (up to 15% - 20% ethanol) with no modifications other than perhaps a minor carb adjustment Your fuel consumption may be slightly higher due to ethanol’s lower energy density (fewer BTUs per gallon) than gasoline. But this may be offset by blended fuel’s tendency to burn more completely than straight gas. Also the blended fuel will have a higher octane rating than regular gas - you may be able to advance the spark timing a few degrees to improve economy.

To run on straight ethanol would require major carburetor adjustments to get the proper fuel air ratio - i.e. would have to open up the power screw several turns. More likely however it would require rejetting the carburetor to larger power circuit orifice.

Other potential downsides of running 100% ethanol:

Reduced fuel economy. Expect around a 30% increase in fuel consumption to perform the same amount of work, again due to ethanol’s considerably lower energy density.

Cold starting difficulties. While alcohol vaporizes easily, it’s high latent heat of vaporization makes it notorious for cold starting problems. You will need auxiliary manifold heat or other means to help get the engine started, and until it is fully warmed up.

Vapor locking – Ethanol boils at relatively low temperature. In hot weather (and at higher altitudes), this makes it highly prone vaporlocking and evaporative fuel losses from the tank and carburetor.

Corrosion – Ethanol attacks certain plastics and elastomers used in modern engine fuel systems. Probably would not a problem with a Farmall H however – it was built long before any these materials were even though of!

If it were mine I’d mess around with various gas/alcohol blends ratios - see how high it can go and still start/run properly. Good luck, and post back what you find!!

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