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From theEthanolSource.com

The Model T was the first FlexFuel vehicle. A screw in the carbuetor changed the fuel to air ration and allowed it to run ethanol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start?

    Start by reading the ethanol process page. This page explains conversion, enzyme loads and the general procedure in producing fuel ethanol.

    Or you can visit some Offsite Resources for more information and ideas on how to get started.

What is the purpose of this website?

     The purpose of this site is to inform people about environmentally friendly and cost effective ways of reducing our reliance on foreign oil. The focus here is ethanol, a form of reneweable energy that automobiles can utilize. I have dedicated my time and personal expense into a project that demonstrates residential and small business production of ethanol. You can produce alternative fuel ethanol for a fraction of the cost of petroleum products. With a free permit, a few enzymes, some simple apparatus and a source of sugar or starch, you can fuel your FlexFuel, E85 or converted car. I created the process with the individual in mind. I intend to offer a platform any farmer, chemist or layman can build upon. I have priced my materials to insure the individual can succeed.

What is ethanol?

    Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a flammable, colorless chemical compound. It is the alcohol that is found in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol can be consumed by humans to produce inebriation, burnt by cars as fuel, or used in the transesterification process to produce biodiesel. In February 2006, George W. Bush announced ethanol as a viable renewable energy source for the replacement of gasoline [1]. As a fuel, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is 105 octane. Pure ethanol is 116 octane. With proper engine modifications, ethanol produces miles per gallon that are competitive with gasoline.

Who can ethanol benefit?

    Ethanol largely benefits those who drive E85 vehicles, those who live in large rural areas and people who simply want an alternative to gasoline. In the U.S., the Midwest is the largest producer and consumer of high ethanol fuel blends. Ethanol is also used for many high performance four wheelers, dirt bikes and go-karts. In 2006, the Indy Racing Leage announced that they will be running 100% ethanol fuel blend by 2007 ([2]). For those making biodiesel, ethanol can be used in the transesterification process as a substitute for methanol.

Why use ethanol?

    Ethanol is renewable, produces less emissions and encourages agricultural growth. It can be made from anything organic. As long as the sun continues to shine and plants continue to grow, more ethanol can be produced. When ethanol is burnt it produces zero net CO2 emissions. Plants use the CO2 from the atmosphere to survive, burning ethanol simply returns it. It provides a means for growth in near impoverished rural areas. At the turn of the century, most of the nation were farmers. Ethanol provides a mean for returning vitality to our economic roots.

How can I make ethanol?

    Ethanol can be made by any person with a small distillation apparatus. Corn, wheat, fruit, even sawdust can potentially be converted to ethanol. If the source is mainly sugar, like rotten fruit, conversion can be skipped. However, starchy and cellulosic materials require enzymatic conversion before fermentation. For grains, the first step of conversion is to utilize an enzyme to liquefy the organic material. Once the liquefication has processed, a second enzyme is added to convert the starch into sugar. Depending on sugar content and yeast strain, fermentation takes one to five days. After fermentation, the mash is distilled, filtered, dehydrated and ready for consumption.

    More information is available at the ethanol process page.