Methanol (CH30H) is also an alcohol based fuel. It can be produced in several
ways. One is from natural gas. This process is an inefficient nonviable method of
production. Another method is from coal. The problem with methanol produced from
coal is that it yields a higher carbon dioxide emission. However coal reserves are
much greater than oil or natural gas. A long-term supply of methanol can also be
produced from biomass and urban refuse. The biomass process to methanol is
prohibitive due to the amount of nonrenewable energy input required for conversion.
Compared to gasoline the energy content of methanol is only 49%. Ford engines
should operate satisfactory on gasohol blends using unleaded gasoline and
containing no more than 5% methanol by volume. Cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors must also be added. The blend must also have an octane (antiknock)
index of 87 or 89, reference to engine specification section.
Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol), is available in some
areas outside Europe. Ford engines should operate satisfactory on gasohol blends
containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume and having an octane (anti knock)
index of 87 or 89, reference engine specifications.
CAUTION: In some cases, methanol (wood alcohol) or other alcohols may be
added to gasoline. Ford engines should operate satisfactory on blends con-
taining up to 5% methanol by volume when cosolvents and other necessary
additives are used. If not properly formulated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such blends may cause performance problems or
damage emissions and fuel system materials. Insufficient data is available to
insure the suitability of all methanol/gasoline blends at this time. To avoid
jeopardizing your engine warranty or incurring unnecessary repairs costs, DO
NOT USE blends containing more than 5% methanol by volume, or blends that
do not contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
If you are uncertain as to the presence of alcohols in the gasoline you are
purchasing, check the label on the pump or ask the station attendant.
CAUTION: Discontinue use of any gasohol or alcohol/gasoline blend if per-
formance problems occur. Do not use such fuels unless they are UNLEAD-
ED.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that a Fuel Stabilizer, Ford Part Number E8AZ-
19C544-A or an equivalent additive be used for any length of storage. It is
imperative in any application where the fuel will not be consumed within thirty days.
Refer to “STORAGE” in this section for further information.
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