MTBE concerns
MTBE concerns
(OP)
1) Is the MTBE addition to gasoline producing exhaust emissions which are harmful to the health (including cancer)? I am not talking about gasoline in contact with the skin, just wondering if the MTBE causes levels of any unhealthy gases or particulates in the atmosphere. I live in the Phoenix area, and the air can get very smoggy.
2) Does the MTBE addition (I think it is about 10%) cause a drop in fuel economy?
2) Does the MTBE addition (I think it is about 10%) cause a drop in fuel economy?





RE: MTBE concerns
2) Proponents say any drop in fuel economy is negligible. Oxygenates have lower calorific content than the gasoline they replace (see previous posts in the forum) so that would tend to increase fuel consumption. MTBE is also an octane enhancer, so if the ignition controller advanced the timing it could counteract this somewhat. My own experience has left me believing I get poorer fuel economy with oxygenated gasoline.
RE: MTBE concerns
Thanks for the info. I recalled a Federal Gov't ban on MTBE some years ago, and was trying to get some opinions.
RE: MTBE concerns
RE: MTBE concerns
Also there are people that are easily driven into serious Bronchial problems from the vapors.
I know this first hand.
N.J. made MTBE manditory and PA. tried it some years ago. Now neither uses it although the additives they put in the gas now is sometimes just as bad from the health stand point.