Oxygenated Fuels - Honda UMK431 Owner's Manual

Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the USA
and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure
it
is
unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement. Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to
confirm the fuel's contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.
The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL
-
(ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing
ethanol may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
15% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume
METHANOL
-
(methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume, as long as it also
contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline
containing more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance
problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station, or switch to another
brand of gasoline. Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an
oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered
under warranty.
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