How to Remove Ethanol from Gas: 11 Steps
Ethanol is commonly found in gasoline as a biofuel additive. It is used to reduce emissions and help meet environmental standards. However, ethanol can cause problems in engines, leading to poor fuel efficiency and potential damage. If you want to remove ethanol from your gasoline, follow these 11 steps:
1. Gather the necessary materials: To remove ethanol from gasoline, you’ll need a large container, a small container, a funnel, and two lengths of clear plastic tubing.
2. Select the right container: The ideal container should be large enough to hold the entire volume of gasoline you’d like to treat.
3. Prepare your workspace: Find a well-ventilated area with no open flames nearby. This is important for safety purposes, as gasoline vapors can be dangerous.
4. Pour the gasoline into the large container: Using a funnel, carefully pour the gasoline into your large container.
5. Water the mix: Add a small amount of water (about 2% of the total volume) to the gasoline in your container.
6. Stir the mixture carefully: Gently stir or shake your container to ensure proper mixing between gasoline and water.
7. Allow the mixture to settle: Wait at least two hours for the heavier ethanol-laced water particles to settle at the bottom of your container.
8. Observe ethanol separation: As it settles, you’ll see two distinct layers form – clean gasoline on top and an ethanol-water layer at the bottom.
9. Set up tubing: Attach one end of the first clear plastic tubing to a funnel and place it on top of your small container; this will collect your now-separated gasoline.
10. Begin siphoning process: Slightly tip your large container so that only clean gasoline flows out of it while being careful not to disturb the ethanol-water layer below it.
11. Stop before reaching layers’ intersection: As you siphon, keep a close eye on the intersection of the two layers and stop siphoning well before that point. This ensures that you collect only the pure gasoline.
By following these steps, you can easily remove ethanol from gasoline and protect your engine from potential damage caused by high ethanol content. However, it’s vital to remember that working with gasoline can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions, and if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult an expert for guidance.