Performance of Late Model Cars with Gasoline-Methanol Fuel

A test program has been completed to determine how the incorporation of 15% methanol in gasoline affects the driveability, exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of three 1978 model passenger cars. The study has shown that use of methanol containing fuel deteriorates the driveability of the cars to what is considered to be an unacceptable performance by the present standards. The exhaust emissions are not significantly affected, except for a moderate reduction in the carbon monoxide levels. The volumetric fuel consumption, however, is increased appreciably.

Relatively simple adjustments to the carberator and ignition timing can restore the driveability to an acceptable level for operation with or without methanol. These adjustments, however, fail to restore the fuel consumption to its original level and may result in the escalation of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. The increase in emissions is even more pronounced when the modified car is reverted back to operation with gasoline.