Convert Your Car To Run On Alcohol: A Diy Guide

Converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel is a viable option for those seeking an alternative to gasoline. While almost any gasoline-powered engine can be adapted to run on alcohol, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. The process involves making changes to the carburetor, such as modifying the main jet, idle jet, and timing. Additionally, the ideal air-fuel ratio for alcohol is significantly higher than that of gasoline, requiring a more powerful fuel pump. It's also important to be cautious when dealing with gaskets and to ensure that all components in contact with alcohol are compatible, as alcohol can cause rust and degradation in certain materials. The type of alcohol used, such as methanol or ethanol, is another factor to take into account due to their different properties and sources. Overall, while converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol is feasible, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and efficient outcome.

The ideal air/fuel ratio for alcohol is 7:1, more than twice that of gasoline

The process of converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel involves several key steps and considerations. While it is possible to convert a gasoline engine to an alcohol-fuelled one, it is a complex process that requires careful execution.

One of the critical aspects of converting an engine to run on alcohol is understanding the ideal air/fuel ratio. The ideal air/fuel ratio for alcohol is around 7:1, which is significantly different from gasoline. Gasoline engines typically have a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1 or 14.5:1, meaning they require far less fuel relative to the amount of air. This difference in the air/fuel ratio between alcohol and gasoline is a crucial factor to consider during the conversion process.

To achieve the ideal air/fuel ratio for alcohol, several changes need to be made to the engine. Firstly, the main metering jet in the carburetor needs adjustment. This involves boring out the main jet orifice by 20 to 40 percent, as alcohol requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio. Additionally, alterations to the accelerator pump are often necessary. The orifice in the accelerator pump, through which fuel is injected, should be enlarged by about 20%. Alternatively, the stroke length of the pump arm can be adjusted to pump in more fuel.

It is worth noting that converting an engine to run on alcohol fuel also requires careful attention to the ignition timing. To take advantage of the anti-knock qualities of alcohol fuel, the ignition timing needs to be advanced. This is achieved by turning the distributor housing in the opposite direction of the rotor's spin by approximately 20 degrees.

Converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel can be a challenging task, and it is important to approach it with a good understanding of engines and their components. While the process may vary depending on the specific vehicle and its characteristics, the air/fuel ratio plays a pivotal role in ensuring the engine runs effectively on alcohol fuel.

Alcohol is more resistant to detonation and can live with a higher compression ratio

The process of converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel, also known as ethanol, involves several key steps and considerations. One of the most important aspects is understanding the engine's compression ratio and its impact on detonation resistance.

Alcohol fuel, particularly ethanol, has a higher resistance to detonation compared to gasoline. This is due to its higher effective octane rating, which means it can withstand higher compression ratios without causing engine knocking or uncontrolled ignition. Engine knocking, also known as detonation, is the result of fuel breakdown during compression, heating, and combustion, leading to premature and uncontrolled ignition.

The ideal air/fuel ratio for alcohol is around 7:1, more than twice that of gasoline, which burns best at a ratio of 14.5:1. This higher ratio in alcohol engines demands more fuel to be pumped through the combustion chamber, contributing to its resistance to detonation. Additionally, alcohol burns cooler, further reducing the chances of uncontrolled ignition.

To take advantage of the improved detonation resistance of alcohol fuel, you can advance the engine's ignition timing. This involves turning the distributor housing in the opposite direction of the rotor's spin, typically moving it by around 20 degrees. This adjustment helps to optimize the engine's performance when running on alcohol fuel.

When converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol, it is crucial to make the necessary changes to the carburetor. This includes increasing the size of the main jet orifice by 20% to 40% to accommodate the richer air-to-fuel ratio required by alcohol fuel. Additionally, adjustments to the accelerator pump may be needed to ensure the engine runs properly on alcohol.

By understanding the compression ratio and making the necessary adjustments to the engine's ignition timing and carburetor, you can successfully convert a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel while taking advantage of its improved detonation resistance.

The engine will need to burn approximately twice as much fuel as a gasoline motor

The process of converting a four-wheeler to run on alcohol fuel involves several steps and considerations. One crucial aspect is the engine's fuel requirements. When compared to gasoline, an alcohol motor requires a significantly higher fuel volume to achieve the same level of combustion. This is because alcohol has a higher ideal air-to-fuel ratio, typically around 7:1, which is more than twice that of gasoline, which burns optimally at a ratio of 14.5:1.

This difference in ratios means that the engine will need to draw in and burn approximately twice as much fuel as it would with gasoline. This increased fuel demand places extra strain on the fuel pump and the overall fuel system, requiring careful consideration during the conversion process. It is essential to ensure that the fuel pump and related components are capable of handling this additional fuel flow to prevent potential issues such as fuel starvation or lean fuel mixtures.

Engine builder Ken Troutman encountered a similar challenge when attempting to convert an engine to run on alcohol. He utilised a high-volume fuel pump but encountered issues due to an insufficient bypass, resulting in fuel starvation and excessive exhaust gas temperatures during high rpm operation. This example highlights the critical nature of ensuring that the fuel delivery system is adequately designed and sized to accommodate the increased fuel requirements of an alcohol-burning engine.

To address this issue, it may be necessary to upgrade the fuel pump and its associated components, such as the carburetor, to ensure they can handle the increased fuel volume. Additionally, adjustments to the main jet orifice and accelerator pump orifice may be required to enrich the air-fuel mixture, as alcohol requires a richer mixture than gasoline. These modifications help ensure that the engine receives the necessary fuel volume and mixture for efficient combustion when running on alcohol.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that while alcohol has a higher fuel requirement, it also offers several advantages. Alcohol burns more completely than petroleum-based fuels, increasing combustion efficiency and reducing carbon monoxide emissions. Additionally, alcohol can be produced from renewable sources, providing an alternative to finite fossil fuels. However, the higher fuel consumption of alcohol engines should be carefully considered when making the conversion, especially in terms of fuel availability, range, and overall fuel system design.

You will need to bore out the main jet orifice by 20-40% when using ethanol fuel

The main metering jet in your carburetor is usually a threaded brass plug with a hole drilled through its centre. This hole is known as the main jet orifice. The hole's diameter directly impacts the richness or leanness of the air-fuel mixture when the engine is running at normal speeds. A smaller hole means less fuel and a leaner mixture, while a larger hole means more fuel and a richer mixture.

Since alcohol requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio, you must increase the size of the main jet orifice when using ethanol fuel. The standard jet size in MOTHER's alcohol-powered truck was .056 inches in diameter. To successfully operate the engine on alcohol fuel, you need to enlarge this opening by 20% to 40%.

To calculate the new diameter, multiply the original size by the desired increase percentage. For example, to increase the diameter by 40%, multiply the original size of .056 inches by .40, which gives .022 inches. Then add this figure to the original diameter: .056 + .022 = .078 inches. The nearest drill bit size is No. 47, which is .0785 inches in diameter.

Hold the jet securely with vise-grips and carefully bore out the central hole. If possible, use the carburetor's jet-holding body as a mount while drilling. Ensure that you drill as straight as possible. After drilling, clean any brass residue from the carburetor and its components.

Some carburetors use a ""metering rod in addition to fixed-size jets. This is typically a thin, tapered, or stepped brass rod suspended within the brass jet orifice. The fuel is drawn through the space between the rod and its housing. To enlarge this orifice, you can either remove the metering rod and drill out the brass jet or take the rod to a machine shop to be turned down. Alternatively, you can carefully sand the rod down with emery cloth.

To take advantage of alcohol's antiknock qualities, advance the engine's ignition timing

Almost any gasoline-powered engine can be converted to run on alcohol. The most suitable type of alcohol for this purpose is ethanol, which can be derived from the fermentation of sugars from organic materials with high sugar content, such as wheat, corn, rice, beets, and cane.

To take advantage of alcohol's antiknock qualities, you'll need to advance the engine's ignition timing. Advancing the ignition timing increases the horsepower of the engine, raising the high-end power while reducing the low end. This is achieved by turning the distributor housing in the opposite direction that the rotor spins. The ballpark figure for this adjustment is moving about 20 degrees. Advancing the timing of ignition means that the spark plugs will fire earlier in the compression stroke, farther from the top dead center (TDC).

It is important to note that ignition timing is typically controlled by the engine computer in modern engines or engines without modifications. The computer has a timing map with spark advance values for all combinations of engine speed and load. Advancing the ignition timing too much can lead to pinging and detonation when conditions change, such as fuel quality, temperature, or sensor issues. Therefore, it is crucial to have the necessary knowledge and equipment before attempting any adjustments.

Additionally, there are other changes required to convert a carburetor engine to an alcohol-based one, such as modifications to the main jet, idle jet, and accelerator pump. These changes ensure that the engine can effectively burn alcohol, which requires a richer air-to-fuel ratio than gasoline.

Frequently asked questions