How to Check for Alcohol in Gasoline
Excessive amounts of alcohol in gasoline can lead to several problems, including gasket leaks and blockages. Fortunately, there is a simple way to check your gasoline to see if there is a large amount of alcohol present. With some water and a container, you can begin measuring and determining if your fuel is healthy enough for your engine.
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Instructions
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Find a glass measuring cup large enough to accommodate more than two quarts of liquid. Thoroughly wash this container out and allow it to completely dry. It is very important that there is no moisture remaining when you begin to calculate the amount of alcohol in the fuel.
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2
Add 36 oz. of gasoline, which calculates to one quart plus ½ cup of fuel. Pour this liquid in a well-ventilated area and place newspaper underneath the cup in order to easily clean up any spills that may occur.
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3
Pour in 4 oz. of water, which translates to ½ cup. By taking a measurement later, you can determine the volume of the water in your mixture. If this is too high, the test will tell you that there is a presence of alcohol pushing your water to the top.
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Seal the container tightly with the lid. Take the mixture somewhere outdoors, where any leakage will not be a problem. Vigorously shake the container so the water and gasoline are mixed well. Allow the mixture to settle for up to 10 minutes until the gasoline regains its normal consistency.
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Inspect the markings on the side of the container without disturbing the levels. If the measurement between the water and gasoline is greater than ½ cup, it is safe to assume that alcohol is present in your gas.
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