2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Guide 6th Printing - Page 210

Maintenance and care Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn and sugar cane. When ethanol is used in the making of motor fuels, a small amount of a bad tasting chemical is added to discourage beverage use. The resulting fuel is called Ed100 meaning 100% pure ethanol diluted by 2% to 5% gasoline as the "denaturant." Fuel ethanol (E85)d is then made by adding 15% more unleaded gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular gasoline and other properties which allow engine designs with greater efficiency and power. Winter blends may contain up to 30% (E70)unleaded gasoline (25% plus the denaturant) to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to Cold Weather Starting in the Starting chapter. Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers. Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated. When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes. The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an ungrounded fuel container. 210