Contra Costa County's One-Year Experience with Gasohol

Starting August 1, 1979, a one-year gasohol test was conducted by Contra Costa County. A total of 30 county pool cars were on test-15 on gasohol and 15 similar cars on gasoline as a control group.

Findings were as follows. There were no fuel-related maintenance problems in either the gasohol or gasoline groups of cars. Cool weather driveability for the gasohol cars was the same or better than gasoline cars. No vapor lock or other hot driveability problems were reported for either fuel. Fuel economy of the gasohol cars was about 5% poorer than that of the gasoline cars. Fuel system deposits with gasohol were increased and differed in character compared to gasoline. Also, the gasohol carburetors showed more inlet needle valve tip wear. However, to date, the observed deposits and wear with gasohol have not caused any apparent problems.