YOGYAKARTA - The effect of gasoline mixed with ethanol on daily vehicles, has recently often been discussed among automotive enthusiasts. This mixture is said to be more environmentally friendly, but many are worried that it could affect engine performance, fuel efficiency, and even the durability of vehicle components.
In the midst of the government's efforts to develop alternative fuels, ethanol is beginning to be used as a gasoline blend in various countries, including Indonesia.
However, before switching over, it is important to understand how ethanol reacts to the combustion system and its impact on the engine.
Reported from the bellperformance website, the following is a list of the most common effects of gasoline mixed with ethanol that vehicle users experience:
Ethanol has a lower energy value than pure gasoline. Because the ethanol molecule is smaller and contains fewer carbon bonds, its fuel efficiency also decreases.
As a result, the engine needs more fuel to cover the same distance. For example, a mixture of E10 can reduce fuel efficiency by 3.5-5%, while E15 can reduce even more. In the long run, this means that gasoline consumption increases even though the price per liter looks cheaper.
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Ethanol is very easy to absorb water from the air. Even pure ethanol cannot be 100% free of water.
The problem is, when water is absorbed into the fuel tank, the water will sink to the bottom because it is heavier than gasoline. This condition can cause various disturbances to the fuel system and engine, especially if the vehicle is rarely used or stored for a long time.
When water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the tank, microbes such as bacteria and fungi can grow in the border area between fuel and water. These microbes eat components in the fuel and produce corrosive substances that can damage tanks, filters, and fuel lines.
Although this case is more common in long-term storage (such as large tanks on ships or warehouses), it still needs to be watched by daily vehicle users.
If the water content is high, the mixture of gasoline and ethanol can separate into two layers, namely the upper layer containing gasoline and the lower layer containing a mixture of ethanol and water.
The problem is, this fuel that has been "phase separated" cannot be mixed back together. The bottom layer sucked into the engine can cause incomplete combustion and damage components.
Ethanol can accelerate corrosion in plastics, rubber, and fiberglass, especially in older vehicles that were not designed for ethanol fuel. In the long run, this can lead to leaks, fuel pump damage, and higher maintenance costs.
It can be concluded that the mixture of gasoline and ethanol is indeed environmentally friendly, but still has negative aspects that must be considered.
English:
The effects of gasoline mixed with ethanol such as decreased efficiency, corrosion, and water problems can be avoided by regularly maintaining the fuel system and using fuel according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
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