We have a 2001 mitsubishi lancer, runs on 95 petrol. I hear this is to be phased out in the new year. Can I switch to the gasohol now available at gas stations? Is it safe to do so? Engine modifications required?

We have a 2001 mitsubishi lancer, runs on 95 petrol. I hear this is to be phased out in the new year. Can I switch to the gasohol now available at gas stations? Is it safe to do so? Engine modifications required?

Probably.

With a recent vehicle there should be no issues, you should contact Misubishi if worried. The alcohol in gasohol can attack certain materials used in the fuel systems of 'older' vehicles (and it would seem some newer motorcycles as well).

You will notice a slight loss of performance and in increase in fuel consumption that will pretty much offset the lower cost of gasohol.

Have a look in the motoring forum, we've been beating this to death in several threads.

In Nevada USA, 10 years ago we had Gasohol instead of straight gasoline.

I used this in both a 1949 Oldsmobile and a 1972 Datsun 240Z without any significant problems. The Z car needed to have the timing changed.

I haved used the 95 Gasohol in my Toyota Vios with no side affects.

What's the alcohol content of the gasohol? All vehicles can accept up to 10% alcohol content. Newer vehicles that are labeled "flex fuel" can run on up to 85% alcohol. If you vehicle is a flex fuel vehicle, it should say something on the inside of the fuel door.

My car is very recent and said to be ok for both. But is it ok to switch back and forth according to my convenience, ie without any detriment to the car?

Lotus,

Switching back and forth is fine.

This article has a pretty good list of what cars can be used with E10 (gasoline mixed with 10% ethanol a k a gasohol):

http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1466787.htm

I contacted Honda here in TH about my Honda CRV but got no reply (not surprising since these guys barely know how to change oil on the car and always manage to screw up something whenever I leave it for service...).

So next I contacted Honda in Australia and got the following reply:

Dear Mr xyz

Thank you for your enquiry on the Honda website.

Honda vehicles were not designed or tested with E10 and therefore the long-term effects are not proven. Please contact your Service Manager within your local Honda Dealership who is a specialist with technical information on your Honda vehicle.

Honda Customer Service

MHM,

No problem with your car running on gashol. Good thread in Thialand Motor Forum if you want more info.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=83028

magok,

That is interesting. All vehicles here in the States are able to run on E10. Above that and you run in to problems with corrosion and timing problems unless your vehicle is flex fuel and has the proper computer to run it as well as tank and lines that won't corrode.

magok,

That is interesting. All vehicles here in the States are able to run on E10. Above that and you run in to problems with corrosion and timing problems unless your vehicle is flex fuel and has the proper computer to run it as well as tank and lines that won't corrode.

...and no metallic parts in the injection system that will come in contact with the fuel etc etc.

Another possible reason is that cars in the US has a shorter expected lifespan (as people change cars more often).