WHEELING, Ill. – Motorists around the country are becoming aware that the gasoline they buy for their cars and light trucks can contain up to 15 percent ethanol. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 95 percent of gasoline sold in the U.S. contains as much as 10 percent ethanol. While the goals of adding ethanol to gasoline are noble, such blends can present a host of driveability problems and a reduction in fuel economy of as much as 25 percent, according to Penray.
 
In response to the growing number of concerns and complaints about the use of ethanol fuels, The Penray Companies Inc. has introduced its new Penray Plus Ethanol Stabilizer. According to Penray, this new product brings several specific benefits to the motoring public:
 
First, the Ethanol Stabilizer incorporates a special solvent to prevent the ethanol and gasoline from separating in the fuel in the tank. Without such a solvent the ethanol/water layer can corrode the inside of the fuel tank and degrade fuel lines, fuel injectors and other critical fuel system components. This can also cause driveability problems as the engine ingests ethanol and water instead of blended gasoline.
 
Second, an antioxidant in this new Penray Plus product prevents degradation of the fuel, which is important since ethanol-based fuels can form corrosive acids due to oxidation. This antioxidant also prevents formation of gums and varnishes that can accumulate in fuel systems, possibly compromising the operation of precision-machined fuel injectors and other fuel system components.
 
Third, Penray Plus Ethanol Stabilizer includes a specially formulated corrosion inhibitor to counteract the effects of ethanol on aluminum and other metals found in older carbureted engines.
 
Fourth, the product also includes a cleansing agent that helps to break up, and prevent, the formation of carbon deposits that can clog valves and fuel injectors, wasting fuel and causing starting and driveability issues.
 
In addition to preserving the performance and efficiency of motor vehicles, Penray Plus Ethanol Stabilizer also serves to extend the life of ethanol-based fuels that may be in storage for extended periods of time, the company says. The product can be used with lawn and garden equipment and auxiliary generators, as well as powersports vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATV’s, and personal watercraft.
 
“While new technologies in fuel chemistry can have environmental and other benefits, they often bring unintended consequences," said Mark Kardon, director of marketing for Penray. “In the case of ethanol fuels, the tendency to attract moisture brings the potential for separation of the fuel components within the fuel system. This is much more of a problem with ethanol-based fuels than with non-ethanol blends since cars in the U.S. are not designed to run on pure ethanol.
 
“Regular use of our new Ethanol Stabilizer will keep fuel homogeneous during storage to help prevent unseen corrosion that can compromise the performance and efficiency of fuel system components, and even damage them, leading to expensive repairs. Most vehicles today have the fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank, and replacement of the pump can cost a thousand dollars or more. Regular use of Penray’s new Ethanol Stabilizer can help prevent the need for such costly repairs.”