Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1.0 Fuels For Gasoline Engines: Procedure
Safety Precautions:
Gasoline is highly flammable; observe normal precautions for working with flammable liquids. Perform all tests away from any source of ignition. A class B fire extinguisher must be available. Wear protective eye protection with side shields and Nitrile rubber gloves for handling syringe. Please adhere to any applicable OSHA regulations when handling Gasoline.
Dispose of the mixture according to local, state and federal regulations.
Fill a clean container with gasoline drawn from the fuel system of the affected vehicle then fill another container with water. Only a small amount of fuel is needed to perform the test (5 ounces of each fluid).
Slowly draw 3cc of water into the syringe.
Slowly draw gasoline into the syringe until the fluid reaches the 12cc mark.
Place your finger over the tip of the syringe, vigorously shake the syringe for one minute. Relieve built-up pressure by occasionally removing your finger.
Place the syringe on a flat surface with the nozzle pointing up, allow the syringe to stand for one minute.
If alcohol is present in the fuel, it will separate from the gasoline and dissolve in the water. This water/alcohol mixture will be in the lower part of the syringe. Record the reading at the boundary of the two liquids, refer to the table below to determine the percentage of alcohol in the fuel.
Empty the syringe and rinse thoroughly with water, allow drying and apply a silicone lubricant to the rubber plunger before storing.
| Boundary Line | % Alcohol |
|---|---|
| 9.0cc | 0% |
| 8.6cc | 5% |
| 8.1cc | 10% |
| 7.7cc | 15% |
| 7.2cc | 20% |
| 6.8cc | 25% |
| 6.3cc | 30% |
| 5.9cc | 35% |
| 5.4cc | 40% |
| 5.0cc | 45% |
| 4.5cc | 55% |
| 4.1cc | 60% |
| 3.6cc | 65% |
| 3.2cc | 70% |
| 2.7cc | 75% |
| 2.3cc | 80% |
| 1.8cc | 85% |
| 1.4cc | 90% |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.