The Ethanol Papers - Paperturn manuscript - Flipbook - Page 119
Other than by a dumb accident, water will form in your fuel system because of
condensation, but condensation has nothing to do with hygroscopic action. For
example, if you have a glass-top outdoor table you have probably noticed that
moisture formed on the glass after a cool night. This happens to your car windows. Since glass is not a hygroscopic substance, how does this occur? The
moisture forms because of condensation. The video below proves it all.
Click image to play video
So, what do you do if you have some water in your fuel system? Do you stick a
straw in and suck it out? No, you add a product like Dry Gas. Dry Gas is one or
more type of alcohol, and ethanol is alcohol, meaning that you use ethanol to
solve the problem of water in your gasoline tank. That's right, to solve the problem! In the years since E10 has been in regular use the overall incidence of car
owners needing to use Dry Gas has declined dramatically. In April 2003, NPR
Radio's Tom and Ray Magliozzi (CAR TALK Click & Clack) responded to a
question on this issue:
"Dear Tom and Ray: Every time I fill my gas tank, I buy half a quart of dry
gas. My father says it really helps with the fuel line and keeps things
clean. Is this stuff legit, or am I wasting my cash? – Chris
RAY: Well, we think you're wasting your cash, Chris. This stuff is mostly
alcohol, which absorbs any moisture that is in your gas tank.