Alcohol Detection Procedure (M13 04 06)

ALCOHOL DETECTION PROCEDURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Alcohol Detection Procedure 

SITUATION

Fuel Blends containing a high percentage (above 10%) of alcohol, mainly ethanol, are becoming more commercially available. Usage of E85, or any other high alcohol content blend (e.g. E30) in MINI vehicles, will cause various driveability complaints (cold start problems, stalling, reduced performance, poor fuel economy, etc.), may cause excessive emissions, and may cause irreversible damage to engine, emission control and fuel delivery systems due to incompatibility of materials with alcohols. Refer to SI M13 01 06 Alcohol Fuel Blends in MINI Vehicles for complete details.

In order to correctly diagnose various driveability complaints caused by fuel blends with a high level of ethanol content, the BMW Group is providing you with an alcohol detection test tool.

Distribution of the following tool will be through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program. Additional tools may be purchased through your PDC..

Alcohol Detection Test Tool

Order PN 83 30 0 420 667

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.

1. 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).
2. Slowly draw 3cc of water into the syringe.
   NOTE: To remove air, draw at least 5cc to 6cc of water, invert the syringe and squirt the water out until the top rim of the rubber plunger is at the 3cc mark.
3. Slowly draw gasoline into the syringe until the fluid reaches the 12cc mark.
4. 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.
5. 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	Boundary Line	% Alcohol
9.0cc	0%	5.0cc	45%
8.6cc	5%	4.5cc	55%
8.1cc	10%	4.1cc	60%
7.7cc	15%	3.6cc	65%
7.2cc	20%	3.2cc	70%
6.8cc	25%	2.7cc	75%
6.3cc	30%	2.3cc	80%
5.9cc	35%	1.8cc	85%
5.4cc	40%	1.4cc	90%

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Components damage/malfunctions, or any driveability problems caused by use of fuels containing more then 10% ethanol (or other oxygenates with more then 2.8% oxygen by weight) will not be covered under MINI warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship. Please document the results found on the vehicle repair order whenever performing this test.