Lena Savoie
With rising concerns about the environment, many people are considering alternative fuel sources for their vehicles. One such option is ethanol, a type of alcohol fuel. Transitioning to ethanol can reduce your carbon footprint as it burns cleaner than gasoline. However, modifying a car to run on ethanol is not a simple task and requires mechanical skills and knowledge of the vehicle's engineering and the properties of ethanol. This process may involve significant adjustments to the fuel delivery system, including the fuel pump and carburetor, as well as the spark plugs and fuel tank. It is also important to note that ethanol has a higher octane rating and requires a richer air-to-fuel mixture, which can impact fuel economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Alcohol ( ethanol or methanol) |
| Fuel source | Distilled at home or bought from wholesale chemical supply companies |
| Fuel system | T-valve fuel system |
| Fuel line | Black fuel hose |
| Carburetor | Must be modified and calibrated |
| Spark plugs | Must be changed to ones with a colder heat range |
| Engine timing | Must be advanced |
| Fuel filter | May need to be changed several times |
| Fuel consumption | Increased due to richer air-to-fuel ratio |
| Fuel tank and fuel lines | Must be upgraded to corrosion-resistant materials |
| Fuel pump | Capacity must be adjusted |
| Fuel mixture ratio | Requires a richer mixture (around 7:1 air-to-fuel ratio) |
| Choke system | Manually operated choke is preferable |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the engineering and properties of alcohol fuel
Alcohol fuel, or ethanol, is a renewable fuel typically made from the starch of corn grain, sugar cane, or cellulosic feedstocks. It is produced through fermentation and distillation. It can also be made from biological material, such as plant sugars, cellulose, and starch, which are converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide by fermentation.
The general chemical formula for alcohol fuel is CnH2n+1OH. Alcohols can be referred to as HC, where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a hydroxyl group consisting of a hydrogen atom attached to an oxygen atom. The most common types of alcohol fuel are methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol, which are of interest as they can be synthesized chemically or biologically and used in internal combustion engines.
Methanol is primarily produced from natural gas, though it can also be made from biomass using similar processes. Ethanol is most often produced from biological materials through fermentation. Biobutanol has a higher energy density than simpler alcohols, but it is currently more difficult to produce.
Alcohol fuels have a higher octane rating than gasoline, which allows for higher compression ratios. They also demand a richer air-to-fuel ratio, requiring changes to the fuel delivery system to maintain performance. This involves installing parts that can handle the greater flow volume without compromising engine functionality.
Alcohol fuels have several advantages over other alternative fuels. They can work in existing engines and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They have a lower carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, which leads to reduced tailpipe emissions of CO2 and improved engine efficiency. They also do not suffer from lubrication oil contamination and soot deposition due to their lower C/H ratio. The atomization and spray characteristics of alcohol fuels are better, positively impacting engine performance and combustion.
However, there are some drawbacks and considerations to using alcohol fuels. They are more corrosive than gasoline, so the fuel tank and fuel lines must be upgraded to corrosion-resistant materials. Halide ions, in particular, increase corrosion and the conductivity of the fuel. Alcohol fuels are also more difficult to vaporize, especially in cold conditions, so some vehicles may need to retain a small amount of petrol to start the engine.
Overall, understanding the engineering and properties of alcohol fuel is crucial when considering modifying a vehicle to run on this alternative fuel source.
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Install a 'T' valve and change fuel lines
Converting a car engine from gas to alcohol is a complicated procedure requiring specialised knowledge and mechanical skill. It is important to understand the vehicle's engineering and the properties of alcohol fuel. Alcohol has a lower energy content than gasoline, which necessitates changes in the fuel delivery system to maintain performance.
If you are planning to switch back and forth between gasoline and alcohol, a secondary fuel tank and pump, as well as additional fuel lines and a T-valve, will need to be installed.
First, mount the T-valve in the location you prefer. Install barb fittings, if required. Next, connect the alcohol to one inlet of the T-valve using a black fuel hose of the correct size. Locate the inlet side of the fuel pump and remove the short piece of hose between the pump and the metal fuel line from the gasoline tank. Connect the metal fuel line to the remaining inlet on the T-valve with black fuel hose. Finally, connect the outlet of the T-valve to the inlet side of the fuel pump with a third length of black fuel hose. Make certain the lines you have added are secure, leakproof and do not interfere with any moving parts.
You now have a dual-fuel system, interchangeable at the flick of a valve.
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Modify the carburetor
Modifying a carburetor to run on alcohol fuel requires a good understanding of both the vehicle's engineering and the properties of alcohol fuel. Alcohol has a lower energy content than gasoline, which necessitates changes in the fuel delivery system to maintain performance.
The carburetor is a crucial component of the engine, responsible for supplying the cylinders with the right amounts of fuel and air. When converting a carburetor to run on alcohol, it is necessary to modify the main jet, idle jet, and timing. The main metering jet, usually a threaded brass plug with a hole in the centre, directly impacts the air-fuel mixture when the engine runs at normal speeds. Since alcohol requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio, the main jet orifice needs to be enlarged by 20 to 40%. This involves using tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and an electric hand drill.
Additionally, the accelerator pump, which injects a stream of fuel into the carburetor when the accelerator is depressed, may need adjustments. The orifice can be enlarged by about 20%, or alternatively, the stroke length of the pump arm can be adjusted to increase fuel delivery.
It is also important to note that alcohol fuels have a higher octane rating, allowing for higher compression ratios. This means that spark plugs may need to be changed to those with a colder heat range to suit the cooler-burning alcohol fuels.
Converting a carburetor to run on alcohol fuel can be a complex process, and it is essential to have a good understanding of engine mechanics and the specific requirements of alcohol fuel. It may be beneficial to consult a professional or a detailed conversion guide before attempting any modifications.
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Adjust the fuel mixture ratio
Modifying a car to run on alcohol fuel requires significant changes to the fuel delivery system and engine components. This is because alcohol has a lower energy content than gasoline, and it requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio—around 7:1, more than double the ratio for gasoline.
The process of adjusting the fuel mixture ratio is also known as balancing the idle mixture. The ideal ratio of air to fuel varies from engine to engine, but most engines have an ideal ratio of around 14.7:1. This can be determined using a special meter, but this is usually unnecessary unless you are dealing with a high-performance vehicle.
On modern vehicles, the air-fuel mixture adjustment is controlled by the vehicle's computer. A scanner or a five-gas analyser can be used to get a reading of the air-fuel mixture. Turning the adjuster clockwise reduces the flow of fuel and makes the engine run lean.
To adjust the fuel mixture ratio, you can calibrate the carburettor or reprogramme the fuel injection system to deliver a richer mixture. This will prevent the engine from running lean, which can lead to damage.
It is also important to prepare for the increased fuel consumption that will result from the richer air-to-fuel ratio required by alcohol. This may involve installing parts that can handle the greater flow volume without compromising engine performance.
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Prepare for increased fuel consumption
Alcohol fuel has a lower energy content than gasoline, which means that a car modified to run on alcohol will consume more fuel to cover the same distance as a car running on gasoline. This is due to the higher air-to-fuel ratio required by alcohol, which is about double that of gasoline. This means that the engine will need to draw in more air to achieve optimal combustion.
To compensate for this, you will need to install parts that can handle the greater flow volume without compromising the functionality of the engine. This may include upgrading the fuel tank and fuel lines to materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or anodized aluminum. Additionally, the spark plugs may need to be changed to ones with a colder heat range to suit the cooler-burning alcohol fuels.
It is important to weigh the benefits of switching to alcohol fuel against the potential decrease in fuel economy. While alcohol fuels offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to gasoline, the increased fuel consumption may offset some of the environmental benefits.
It is also worth noting that the impact of alcohol fuel on fuel economy may vary depending on the specific type of alcohol fuel used. For example, biobutanol has an energy density that is closer to gasoline than other alcohol fuels, which may result in a more comparable fuel economy. Additionally, the use of ethanol in gasoline blends (such as E10 or E15) has been shown to decrease fuel economy by about 3% relative to gasoline without ethanol.
Overall, when modifying your car to run on alcohol fuel, it is crucial to prepare for the potential increase in fuel consumption by making the necessary adjustments to the engine and fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is a more sustainable alternative fuel source than gas, as it typically burns cleaner and reduces your carbon footprint. It is also a renewable fuel, made from the starch of corn grain, sugar cane, or cellulosic feedstocks, and is cheaper to distil at home than to buy from a supplier.
You will need to modify your car's fuel delivery system, as alcohol has a lower energy content than gasoline and requires a different fuel mixture ratio. This will involve installing parts that can handle a greater flow volume, as alcohol requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio. You will also need to modify your engine's air-fuel ratio, ignition system, and compression ratio.
You will need a screwdriver, an assortment of end wrenches, visegrip pliers, a putty knife, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a power drill. You may also want to refer to a Motor, Chilton, or Glenn auto repair manual, or purchase a carburetor rebuilding kit.
Mount the "T" valve in your preferred location, which can be on the inner fender or floorboard. Install barb fittings, if required, and use Teflon tape on the threaded connections to prevent leaks. Connect the alcohol to one inlet of the "T" valve using black fuel hose, and connect the metal fuel line to the remaining inlet.
