{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"ETHANOL FUEL: What It's Really Doing to Your Engine","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ethanol-fuel-what-it-s-really-doing-to-your-engine","audioUrl":"https://content.rss.com/episodes/340678/2471877/car-connection-workshop/2026_01_20_11_41_11_9820c2f7-9d35-4553-845c-119b9807429f.mp3","description":"Ethanol was never designed to be a better fuel for your vehicle - and today's drivers are paying the price.In this episode of Motormouth Morning Drive, we break down:1) why ethanol was added to the fuel in the first place2) Why it's corrosive, acidic, and hydroscopic3) How ethanol damages plastic fuel tanks, fuel rails, injectors, and seals4) Why ethanol is not a true  alternative fuel5) who actually benefits - and who pays for itThis isn't opinion. It's chemistry, engineering, and real- world repair experience from the shop floor.If you want your vehicle to last - and understand what you're really burning - this is an episode every driver should hear.Motormouth Morning Drive - real talk for owner-operators, commuters, and anyone trying to make their vehicle survive modern fuel.More episodes and...project details are available at Car Connection Business Network .com (ccbusnet.com) you'll find everything on our home page if you'd like to follow the build / repair work we do, & connect with our program partners click their logo to connect, Thank You! Grab some merch to support those struggling with addiction to get the help they need at Total Freedom Campuses Canada & USA. Tnx for your support Friends, Keep watching & listening. Happy Healthy Motoring, Nile Motormouth Jenkins Peace, Patience, Kindness Always. NMJCastle Chemicals, Ethanol Fuel Fixer ( Highway 95 )"},"annotations":[{"startTime":26.88,"endTime":29.24,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Wrangler","url":"/cars/jeep/wrangler","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/JEEP_WRANGLER_%28JL%29_China.jpg","quote":"Whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life, a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order, or a mystery leak that's got everyone here scratching their heads.","canonicalId":"car:jeep:wrangler","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts and is often used for adventure and exploration.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. It's popular for outdoor adventures and has a loyal fan base.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":31.5,"endTime":34.0,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Rogue","url":"/cars/nissan/rogue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Nissan_Rogue_%28S35%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA.jpg","quote":"...a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order, or a mystery leak that's got everyone here scratching their heads.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:rogue","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. It's a popular choice among families and commuters.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that offers a lot of space and good gas mileage. It's often chosen by families for its comfort and safety.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":116.0,"endTime":121.3,"type":"term","title":"MAF","url":"/glossary/maf","quote":"Yeah, anybody know what a MAF is, M-A-F? Put it in the comments.","canonicalId":"term:maf","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"MAF stands for Mass Air Flow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine. This information helps the engine control unit (ECU) adjust the fuel injection for optimal performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A MAF sensor is a part of the car that checks how much air is going into the engine. This helps the engine run better by mixing the right amount of fuel with the air."}},{"startTime":548.0,"endTime":551.4,"type":"term","title":"ethanol fuel","url":"/glossary/ethanol-fuel","quote":"you really ought to know more and more about the dangers of ethanol fuel. What it's really doing to your engine.","canonicalId":"term:ethanol-fuel","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ethanol fuel is a type of biofuel made from fermented plant materials, commonly blended with gasoline. While it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it can also cause issues in engines, such as corrosion and reduced fuel efficiency, especially in older vehicles not designed for it.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ethanol fuel is a kind of fuel made from plants, often mixed with regular gasoline. It can be better for the environment, but it might harm some car engines, especially older ones."}},{"startTime":1231.9,"endTime":1235.3,"type":"term","title":"brake fluid","url":"/glossary/brake-fluid","quote":"...it's hydroscopic like brake fluid. You do not leave the cap off a bottle of brake fluid for more than pour out what you need...","canonicalId":"term:brake-fluid","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in braking systems to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake components. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to decreased braking performance and corrosion.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brake fluid is a special liquid that helps your car's brakes work. It's important to keep it sealed because it can absorb water from the air, which can make your brakes less effective."}},{"startTime":1264.1,"endTime":1269.0,"type":"term","title":"hydroscopic","url":"/glossary/hydroscopic","quote":"However, hydroscopic means it attracts moisture. We don't want moisture in the fuel system.","canonicalId":"term:hydroscopic","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hydroscopic refers to a substance's ability to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment. In the context of fuels, hydroscopic substances can lead to moisture accumulation, which can cause issues in the fuel system.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hydroscopic means that something can attract water. When it comes to fuel, this can be a problem because too much water can cause damage to the vehicle's fuel system."}},{"startTime":1277.0,"endTime":1280.2,"type":"term","title":"corrosion","url":"/glossary/corrosion","quote":"Creates what? Corrosion. Rust builds up.","canonicalId":"term:corrosion","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Corrosion is the process by which metals deteriorate due to chemical reactions, often involving moisture and oxygen. In vehicles, corrosion can lead to significant damage, especially in metal components like fuel tanks.","simplifiedExplanation":"Corrosion is when metal gets damaged due to reactions with water and air. This can cause parts of your vehicle to rust and break down over time."}},{"startTime":1282.8,"endTime":1285.0,"type":"term","title":"fuel system","url":"/glossary/fuel-system","quote":"So if you have a vehicle with a metal fuel tank,","canonicalId":"term:fuel-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The fuel system in a vehicle is responsible for storing and delivering fuel to the engine. It includes components such as the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel lines, all of which must be in good condition to ensure proper engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuel system is the part of a car that holds and moves fuel to the engine. If it has problems, the car might not run well."}},{"startTime":1319.7,"endTime":1322.4,"type":"term","title":"fuel injectors","url":"/glossary/fuel-injectors","quote":"when we're dealing with high tech engines, fuel injectors, fuel delivery systems, the whole nine yards.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-injectors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel injectors are components in an engine that deliver fuel into the combustion chamber. They atomize the fuel for better mixing with air, which is crucial for efficient combustion and engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel injectors are parts of an engine that spray fuel into it. This helps the fuel mix well with air so that the engine can run smoothly and efficiently."}},{"startTime":1321.0,"endTime":1324.6,"type":"term","title":"fuel delivery systems","url":"/glossary/fuel-delivery-systems","quote":"when we're dealing with high tech engines, fuel injectors, fuel delivery systems, the whole nine yards.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-delivery-systems","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel delivery systems encompass all components that transport fuel from the tank to the engine, including fuel pumps, lines, and filters. They ensure the right amount of fuel reaches the engine for optimal performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel delivery systems are the parts that move fuel from the gas tank to the engine. They make sure the engine gets the right amount of fuel to work properly."}},{"startTime":1339.0,"endTime":1341.4,"type":"term","title":"rubber compounds","url":"/glossary/rubber-compounds","quote":"anything that's rubber, has a rubber compound to it in the fuel system delivery,","canonicalId":"term:rubber-compounds","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rubber compounds are materials made from rubber that are used in various automotive components, including fuel lines and seals. They can degrade over time, especially when exposed to certain fuels like ethanol.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rubber compounds are materials made from rubber that are used in car parts, like hoses and seals. They can break down if they come into contact with certain types of fuel."}},{"startTime":1362.0,"endTime":1364.6,"type":"part","title":"fuel filter","url":"/glossary/fuel-filter","quote":"...I dumped out the contents of a fuel filter that was on one of my own cars, and I make sure I change the fuel filter minimum once a year, regardless of mileage...","canonicalId":"part:fuel-filter","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fuel filter is a component in a vehicle's fuel system that removes contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Regularly changing the fuel filter helps maintain engine performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuel filter cleans the fuel that goes into your car's engine, making sure it's free of dirt and other harmful substances. Changing it regularly is important for keeping your car running well."}},{"startTime":1399.0,"endTime":1406.9,"type":"term","title":"micron","url":"/glossary/micron","quote":"...remove particles as small as 0.0001 of micron. That is super small, it's silt, basically.","canonicalId":"term:micron","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A micron is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter. In automotive terms, it is often used to describe the size of particles that filters can capture, with smaller microns indicating finer filtration capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"A micron is a tiny measurement used to describe very small things. In cars, it helps us understand how small the particles are that a filter can catch."}},{"startTime":1454.3,"endTime":1459.9,"type":"term","title":"check engine light","url":"/glossary/check-engine-light","quote":"Money light, service light, check engine light, all the same daunting, okay?","canonicalId":"term:check-engine-light","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The check engine light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that alerts drivers to potential issues with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. It can indicate a range of problems, from minor issues to serious engine malfunctions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there might be something wrong with the engine or emissions system, and you should get it checked out."}},{"startTime":1466.9,"endTime":1469.8,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1957_Volkswagen_Beetle%2C_export_model%2C_in_front_of_Porta_Nigra_in_Trier_2023-05-01.jpg","quote":"...especially Volkswagen, they're plastic tanks. And that's what happens to them.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf. The brand is recognized for its engineering and innovation in the automotive industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars, like the Beetle and Golf. They are known for their quality and engineering.","imageAttribution":"Palauenc05 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1530.0,"endTime":1533.0,"type":"term","title":"fuel rails","url":"/glossary/fuel-rails","quote":"So now we have fuel rails that hold the fuel injectors. So if you have a four cylinder engine,","canonicalId":"term:fuel-rails","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel rails are components in an engine that distribute fuel to the fuel injectors. They ensure that each injector receives the correct amount of fuel for optimal combustion.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel rails are pipes in a car's engine that carry gasoline to the parts that spray it into the engine. They help make sure the engine gets the right amount of fuel to run well."}},{"startTime":1541.2,"endTime":1544.8,"type":"term","title":"composite plastic","url":"/glossary/composite-plastic","quote":"there's a great chance it's made of composite. Fancy term for plastic, okay? We got this, as technicians, we got this figured out a long time ago.","canonicalId":"term:composite-plastic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Composite plastic refers to a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. This combination results in a material that has improved properties compared to the individual components, often used in automotive applications for weight reduction and durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Composite plastic is a type of material made by combining different kinds of plastics. It’s often used in cars to make them lighter and more durable."}},{"startTime":1556.46,"endTime":1559.32,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Corollas","url":"/cars/toyota/corolla","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/1969_Toyota_Corolla_1200.jpg","quote":"Here's what was discovered. It started in Corolla's quite a while back when the ethanol started coming, fuel leaks.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:corolla","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Corolla is a compact car that has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide. Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, it has undergone numerous generations and updates since its introduction in the 1960s.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Corolla is a popular small car that many people buy because it’s reliable and gets good gas mileage. It has been around for a long time and comes in different versions.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1591.8,"endTime":1596.2,"type":"part","title":"fuel tank","url":"/glossary/fuel-tank","quote":"It's eroding the fuel tank from the inside. It's etching it. So the same thing happens.","canonicalId":"part:fuel-tank","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The fuel tank is a critical component of a vehicle that stores fuel until it is needed by the engine. Ethanol can cause corrosion and damage to the tank, especially if it is made of plastic.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuel tank is where your car's fuel is stored. If the tank is made of plastic, it can get damaged by certain chemicals in the fuel, like ethanol."}},{"startTime":1608.1,"endTime":1612.7,"type":"term","title":"fuel pressure","url":"/glossary/fuel-pressure","quote":"making it thin to the point where the fuel pressure will find the leak at 60 PSI fuel pressure on average. Yeah, it'll find the weak spot for sure.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-pressure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel pressure refers to the force at which fuel is delivered from the fuel pump to the fuel injectors. It is crucial for proper engine performance and fuel atomization.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel pressure is how hard the fuel is pushed through the system to reach the engine. If it's too low or too high, the engine may not run properly."}},{"startTime":1625.5,"endTime":1627.8,"type":"term","title":"moisture","url":"/glossary/moisture","quote":"Water, it attracts moisture right out of the air and right out of the fuel tank.","canonicalId":"term:moisture","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Moisture refers to the presence of water in the air or in substances. In fuel systems, moisture can lead to corrosion and other issues, affecting performance and reliability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Moisture is just water in the air or in things. In cars, it can cause problems by making parts rust or corrode."}},{"startTime":2107.6,"endTime":2110.0,"type":"term","title":"BTUs","url":"/glossary/btus","quote":"Ethanol does not create the same BTUs as gasoline. So here's the test and it's been done many times.","canonicalId":"term:btus","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BTUs, or British Thermal Units, measure the energy content of fuels. In the context of gasoline and ethanol, it indicates how much energy is produced when the fuel is burned, which affects vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"BTUs are a way to measure how much energy is in a fuel. It helps us understand how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel, like gasoline or ethanol."}},{"startTime":2177.4,"endTime":2183.0,"type":"term","title":"gasoline","url":"/glossary/gasoline","quote":"Okay, so we want gasoline that is all gasoline. Fill the tank, see how far you drive on that tank.","canonicalId":"term:gasoline","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gasoline is a refined petroleum product used as fuel in internal combustion engines. It is the most common fuel for cars and is known for its high energy content.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gasoline is the fuel that most cars use to run. It's a liquid made from oil that helps engines produce power."}},{"startTime":2389.2,"endTime":2392.2,"type":"term","title":"non-ethanol-based fuel","url":"/glossary/non-ethanol-based-fuel","quote":"...We have non-ethanol-based fuel. That's what you wanna put in your boats, two guys.","canonicalId":"term:non-ethanol-based-fuel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Non-ethanol-based fuel is a type of gasoline that does not contain ethanol, which can be harmful to certain engines, especially in small recreational vehicles like boats and jet skis. Using this fuel can help prevent issues such as fuel system corrosion and engine performance problems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Non-ethanol-based fuel is gasoline that doesn't have ethanol in it. Ethanol can damage some engines, so this type of fuel is better for things like boats and jet skis."}},{"startTime":2404.2,"endTime":2408.9,"type":"term","title":"fuel fixer","url":"/glossary/fuel-fixer","quote":"...I'll put in the description a product that I buy that is one of the best. It's called a fuel fixer.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-fixer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fuel fixer is a product designed to improve the quality of fuel, often by stabilizing it or removing moisture. These products can help prevent engine issues related to poor fuel quality, especially in vehicles that are not used frequently.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fuel fixer is a product you can add to your fuel to make it work better. It helps keep the fuel fresh and can fix problems that might happen if the fuel is old or has moisture in it."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Nile Jenkins","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ethanol-fuel-what-it-s-really-doing-to-your-engine/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}