McCann Industries

McCann Industries Service Tips

Service Tips

E15 Gasoline Precautions
It may be cheaper but could ruin you engine

• Allowed in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles and flex fuel vehicles
• Retailers now sell gasoline up to 15% ethanol (E15)
• Many smaller engines can be damaged by E15

What is E15 gasoline?
E15 gasoline is a mixture of 85% gasoline and up to 15% ethanol. In October, the EPA granted a waiver which allows retailers to sell E15 gasoline. Prior to the waiver, the amount of ethanol in motor vehicle gasoline was limited to 10% (E10).

Why is E15 dangerous?
1. Ethanol causes fuel to degrade faster and corrodes fuel system components, such as fuel tanks, gaskets, hoses, carburetors, fuel injector caps, etc.
2. Ethanol changes the combustion chemistry, which requires increased fueling rates
3. Ethanol content leads to greater phase separation that can restrict the engine from receiving the proper level of gasoline
4. Ethanol has a lower energy content, which require engine recalibration

Do not use E15 gasoline in
• Cars manufactured before 2001
• Off-road gasoline engines
• Motorcycles
• Vehicles with heavy duty engines, such as school buses, transit buses,
and delivery trucks
• Off-road vehicles, such as boats and snowmobiles
• Equipment with small engines, such as lawnmowers and chain saws

How do you avoid damage?
Read your owner's manual to find out what type of fuel your machine can consume and only use fuel with the recommended ethanol levels.

Learn More

Back to service tips

Products	Home	Online Store	Equipment	Contractor Supplies	Rental	Parts & Service
Company	About Us	Contact Us	Locations	Credit & Financing	Careers	Press Room