The reasons ethanol is so damaging is because it absorbs water and it likes to dissolve polymers. One of the most damaging things you can do to your engine over time is adding ethanol gasoline. It can make up between 10% and 15% of the petroleum you purchase many experts believe the government is going to insist that fuel manufacturers add more (1). Then you know what you can do to prevent it.

In other words, it's just as important to understand how to destroy an engine over time as it is to understand how to destroy one in a few minutes. Everything might appear to be ok, but the damage is just as catastrophic. However, it's just as easy to destroy an engine slowly, especially when warning signs aren't visible. Hence why engines have a temperature gauge. When you over heat an engine, potential damage can include everything from the block, heads, cylinders, pistons, rods, and gaskets to spark plugs, oil and coolant. Even those of us who don't have a comprehensive understanding of vehicle engines understand that the single fastest way to destroy an engine is to overheat it.

How to destroy an engine with bleach