See Figure 1 for graphic representation. Methanol is usually mixed with gasoline or ethanol in percentages ranging from five to eighty-five percent, with the lower percentage being more common. These blends extend gasoline fuel stock and reduce air pollution. Federal subsidies have brought production costs of this antiknock additive into close competition to the cost of producing other antiknock additives. Initial changeover from gasoline to methanol could present some problems in the distribution system.
Methanol is a detergent and has the ability to absorb water.
Accumulated sediment and water sludge in storage tanks, pipelines, and in the vehicle fuel tanks could clog filters and create other operational problems. These systems must be scrubbed clean and prepared prior to the introduction of methanol fuels. Methanol concentration above ten percent is corrosive to some IC engine metals, rubber and plastic components, therefore manufacturing materials must be changed to accommodate this fuel. Specially formulated plastics, rubber, and extensive use of stainless steel are some manufacturing material solutions. Owner's manuals describe acceptable methanol concentration levels.