Questions and Answers

He Wants To Use Ethanol In A Scooter Q. Actually, I have two engines that I would like to use straight ethanol in: 2004 Honda Reflex scooter. 250cc, automatic transmission. 1991 Honda CRX HF

I have been interested in renewable energies for over 30 years. Recently, installed a 3kW grid-tie solar electric system.

Thank you,
John
Longville, MN

A. You can not run Ethanol in an engine not specifically designed for it. There are certain modifications that need to be done. Most notably the fuels lines need to be of an ethanol resistant material.

The most you can run with a properly modified engine is 85% ethanol. The most that can be run in an unmodified vehicle safely is 10%. I know that the state of Minnesota is considering increasing the ethanol ratio to 20% and I will be most interested to see who will pay for the engine modifications to allow an engine to use the 20% blend.