The Jamaican vehicle fleet very much reflects the Japanese domestic fleet of three to 10 years ago. And it wasn't until June 2003 that the Japanese government permitted an ethanol mix in its domestic fuel, and then only up to a maximum of three per cent (or E3). There is now legislation being debated to have all Japanese domestic vehicles be E10 compatible by 2012. So, for the Japanese domestic used import it is certain that they can use E3 (three per cent blend) but uncertain if all can use E10 (10 per cent blend used in Jamaica).

Some research shows some domestic "models (2006 onwards) may be suitable for ethanol blend up to 10 per cent (E10)". While most indicate that, "if your car is fitted with a carburettor then it is highly unlikely to be able to use E10". What is also certain is that blends higher than E10 are not compatible with Japanese domestic imported vehicles.

Comprehensive report

The New Zealand Ministry of Transport did a comprehensive report in April 2006 regarding the "risks to vehicles and other engines". It was a comprehensive study of the compatibility issues of several biofuel blends (gasolene and diesel) across several vehicle ranges including, Japanese domestic fleet, that comprise over 50 per cent of the local New Zealand fleet.

That document in sum says, "Overall, it would appear that there are some minor risks associated with the use of E10 in all applications." Regarding Japanese domestic vehicles, the report concludes, for the four largest New Zealand-local registered manufacturers:

HONDA: "All Honda cars (including Japanese imports) in New Zealand since the mid-1980s are E10 compatible."

TOYOTA: " ... used imports are only E5 compatible and will need a fuel system replacement after 100,000km."

MITSUBISHI: "... position is that they have no experience with ethanol blends and cannot endorse its use." The report does suggest that Mitsubishis since December 2005 are E10 compatible.

NISSAN: "... Nissan's position is similar to Mitsubishi's ..."

SUBARU (taken from Subaru New Zealand's website): "Do not use ethanol blended fuel (E5 or E10) if you car is a second-hand Japanese imported Subaru." No comment was given on Subarus in the New Zealand report.

Real trick

Now the real trick is to understand that these statements are from the vehicle manufacturers and it is in their "interest to be conservative in their assessment". What does this mean to the Jamaican Japanese used import car fleet? All domestic imports have to be investigated by their respective owners as to whether their fuel system is compatible with E10. It is clear that carburetor engines (regardless of model year) are incompatible with E10. Later model (2005 onwards) Japanese Domestic imports may be compatible with E10, but this is not guaranteed by age alone, the materials that comprise the fuel system will need to be investigated. Below is a summary of problems known to be associated with ethanol blends:

1. Degradation of fuel system components (ethanol gets absorbed in the material, o-rings, gaskets, and breaks down the molecular bonds within it. This can lead to swelling of the material, softening or embrittlement (making material brittle) and eventual failure of the component.

2. Corrosion of fuel system components (especially aluminium and brass) over time.

3. Phase separation (water absorbed in the ethanol blend separating over time, usually during long periods of storage. This has implications for short-duration devices such as electric generators and garden tools.

4. Fuel system blockages (ethanol has a solvent effect and will loosen gums and other deposits in the fuel system that have operated on normal petrol for a long time. In some cases, this can clog fuel filters and cause engines to run poorly).

5. Volatility changes affecting engine operability (vapour lock problems when engine is hot).

6. Enleanment (ethanol requires less oxygen from the air to achieve complete combustion so if the fuel/air mixture is not adjusted the mixture is leaner than on a normal petrol engine) affecting engine operability.

7. Paint damage from spillage on the vehicles exterior.

This summary is only a guide and each respective car owner should investigate his or her specific make and model for compatibility with E10. And it needs to be further ventilated in the public to assure that all vehicle owners who have made significant investments in their vehicles are assured that they are making informed decisions at the gas pump and when buying cars.

I am, etc.,

BRIAN RICHARDSON

guyedison@yahoo.com