Does MTBE contribute to elastomer problems or fuel system leaks?
No. There is no indication that the use of MTBE in gasoline blends will affect properties of elastomers other than the swell characteristics of elastometers used in fuel systems, and the effects do not appear to affect the performance of these components. There has been extensive experience in the use of gasoline/MTBE blends. Gasoline/MTBE blends have been marketed throughout the country since the late 1980’s with no reported compatibility problems for vehicle fuel systems. Since November 1992, during the winter seasons, the majority of gasolines marketed in California contained MTBE at 11 percent by volume. Since October 1994, almost all gasoline marketed in Southern California has contained MTBE. We are not aware of any reported problems resulting from the extensive use of gasoline/MTBE blends during winter. The U.S. EPA in 1988 approved the use of MTBE as a gasoline additive in automotive fuels in concentrations of up to 15 percent by volume. The U.S. EPA approval is based on test d
