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If you’ve reached the limits of pump gas or E85, the next step in the quest for horsepower is usually Oxygenated Race Fuel. Fuels like VP Racing's Q16 or MS109 are "fortified" with extra oxygen molecules, allowing you to burn more fuel and generate significantly more cylinder pressure.
But there is a catch: these fuels are chemically "dry" and highly aggressive. A common question we get at Excess Injectors is: "Will these fuels eat my injectors?" The answer depends entirely on the materials inside your fuel system.
What Makes Oxygenated Fuel "Aggressive"?
Standard gasoline is a relatively stable hydrocarbon. Oxygenated fuels, however, contain additives like MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) or high concentrations of alcohol to carry that extra oxygen.
These chemicals act as powerful solvents. They are designed to burn, not to sit in a fuel rail. If left unchecked, they can cause three major types of damage to a fuel system:
1. Seal Swelling and Degradation
Most standard fuel injectors use internal seals made of nitrile or low-grade rubber. Oxygenated fuels can cause these seals to swell, soften, or eventually disintegrate. If an internal seal fails, the injector will leak fuel into the cylinder even when closed, leading to "flooding," washed-out cylinder walls, and oil dilution.
2. Lack of Lubrication
Modern fuel injectors rely on the fuel itself to lubricate the internal moving parts (the pintle and needle). Oxygenated fuels are notoriously "dry." Without proper lubrication, the internal metal components can experience friction, leading to slower opening times and eventually causing the injector to seize.
3. Rapid Oxidation (Corrosion)
Because these fuels carry extra oxygen, they accelerate the oxidation process of any "yellow metals" (brass/copper) or high-carbon steels inside the fuel system. This is why many race teams find their injectors "stuck" after the car sits for just a few days following a race meet.
How to Protect Your System
You don't have to avoid these fuels to stay safe, but you do need to follow a "Race Day Protocol."
- Stainless Steel Internals are Mandatory: At Excess Injectors, our performance range is built with stainless steel internals. Stainless steel is naturally resistant to the corrosive additives found in oxygenated fuels, ensuring the internal "seat" of the injector doesn't pit or rust.
- Viton Seals: Ensure every O-ring in your system is made of Viton (FKM). Viton is one of the few elastomers that can withstand MTBE and other harsh oxygenates without swelling.
- The Post-Race Flush: This is the most important rule. Never leave oxygenated fuel in your car for more than 24-48 hours. After the race meet, drain the tank and run the engine on standard 98-octane pump gas for 10 minutes. This flushes the aggressive chemicals out and coats the injectors in protective, lubricating gasoline.
The Warning: "Clouding" and Deposits
Some oxygenated fuels can react with certain fuel hose materials or tank linings, creating a "cloudy" residue that looks like fine powder. This powder will quickly clog the fine filter baskets at the top of your injectors. If you notice a sudden lean-out on the dyno, check your injector filters immediately.
Oxygenated fuels are a powerful tool, but they require respect. If you are running a high-end race fuel, you must use injectors with stainless steel internals and Viton seals. Combine the right hardware with a strict flushing routine, and your Excess Injectors will provide consistent, winning performance season after season.