Automakers see big trouble in E15 ethanol testing

In Washington, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said that half of the engines it has so far tested with E15 ethanol have had engine problems. Problems stem from confusion in the exhaust control system, where engine sensors are picking up the extra oxygen molecule in ethanol (they use oxygen content to modify the fuel/air mixture) and potentially allowing the engines to run too hot and break the catalytic converters.

The AAM also sees problems with engine cylinder damage, and with auto check lights illuminating too often. Automakers, the DOE and oil companies are running E15 and E20 tests. Meanwhile, Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, said that enough test data has been gathered for E15 approval. “You just see all this hand-wringing,” he said.

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source: nytimes