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Alcohol Gasoline Blends (Gasohol)
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol or methanol.
CAUTION: If not properly formulated with appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors, such blends may cause performance problems or damage
emissions and fuel system materials. Discontinue use if performance prob-
lems occur. To avoid jeopardizing the engine warranty and incurring unnec-
essary repair cost, do not use blends containing more than 10% ethanol by
volume or 5% methanol by volume, or blends that do not contain cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. Do not use such fuels unless they are unleaded.
Ethanol (C8H16) is an alcohol based fuel. There are basically two ways to produce
ethanol. One way is the fermentative method. This method is based on the
fermentation of ethanol from corn, sugar cane, cellulose, and other alternative
crops. The other way is the catalytic hydrolysis of ethylene, a petroleum product, is
the primary synthetic method. Compared to gasoline the energy content of ethanol
is 66%. Ford engines should operate satisfactory on gasohol blends using
unleaded gasoline and containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.
Cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors must also be added. The blend must also have
an octane (anti-knock) index of 87 or 89, reference to engine specification section.
Methanol (CH30H) is also an alcohol based fuel. It can be produced in several
ways. One is from natural gas. This process is an inefficient nonviable method of
production. Another method is from coal. The problem with methanol produced
from coal is that it yields a higher carbon dioxide emission. However coal reserves
are much greater than oil or natural gas. A long-term supply of methanol can also
be produced from biomass and urban refuse. The biomass process to methanol is
prohibitive due to the amount of nonrenewable energy input required for
conversion. Compared to gasoline the energy content of methanol is only 49%.
Ford engines should operate satisfactory on gasohol blends using unleaded
gasoline and containing no more than 5% methanol by volume. Cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors must also be added. The blend must also have an octane (anti-
knock) index of 87 or 89, reference to engine specification section.
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
The importance of correct lubrication, periodic inspection and adjustment cannot
be over-emphasized. It will determine, to a very large extent, the service the engine
will give. Detailed instructions regarding this maintenance are given in the following
pages.
Your Authorized Ford Power Products Distributor listed in the back section of this
manual, will be pleased to carry out this regular maintenance for you. The various
maintenance operations are listed -- Refer to "RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES" on page 21.
When carrying out any of the following maintenance operations, any fault or
malfunction should be reported immediately to the supervisor or person
responsible for engine overhaul or repair.
The following Maintenance Schedules give the maximum recommended service
periods. Since operating conditions can vary, it may be advisable to carry out some
operations, for example, changing the engine oil, at an interim period. Your
operating experience is the best guide for determining this time.
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