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Tetraethyl lead was used in some gasolines to reduce or prevent
knocking. However, in 1975, it became illegal to use leaded gasoline
except in cars built prior to this time. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
(MTBE) is used in unleaded fuel to increase the octane. Gasoline
exposed to heat and air oxidizes and leaves a gummy film. Detergents
are now added to gasoline to prevent this. The detergents keep the
carburetor passages and fuel injectors free from deposits, which
could cause hard starting and problems in driving. Deposits also
restrict the flow of fuel and cause a rough idle, hesitation of
acceleration, surging, stalling, and lack of power.
Alcohol is frequently used as an additive to commercial gasoline,
because it will absorb any condensed moisture which may collect in
the fuel system. Water will not pass through the filters in the fuel
line, so, when any water collects, it will prevent the free passage
of fuel. It also tends to attack and corrode the zinc die castings of
which many carburetors and fuel pumps are made. This corrosion will
not only destroy parts, but also clog the system and prevent the flow
of fuel. By using alcohol in gasoline, any water present will be
absorbed and pass through the fuel filter and carburetor jets into
the combustion chamber. Alcohol additives are often purchased and
added separately into the gas tank to prevent gas-line freeze and
vapor lock.
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