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Author Topic: More people using E-85 in non "flex-fuel" vehicles? Post a Reply Back to Topics
FIREJKP22

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Pittsburgh

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 1:16:48 PM

I was eating lunch at a local store today and watching the gas station which offers an E-85 pump. I watched at least 10 vehicles fill up with E-85 that were either old vehicles, or non "flex-fuel" vehicles.

I read that E-85 can damage an engine that is not built for it, but I am really confused to the amount of people that continue to use it with engines not built for it? Am I missing something here?
REPLIES (newest first)
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barricade64311
Rookie Author Ohio

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Message Posted: Jun 12, 2011 4:52:42 PM

firejkp22.. if your vehicle don't have the E85 logo then you can damage your engine, my impala has the logo, depending on your cylinder
it's pricy 4 Cylinder Kit
2011 Model /servlet/Page?template=Sale

$369.99 $319.99 100+
6 Cylinder Kit
2011 Model
$424.99 $374.99 100+
8 Cylinder Kit
2011 Model
$499.99 $449.99 100+
10 Cylinder Kit
2011 Model
$649.99 $599.99 10+
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goldseeker
Champion Author West Virginia

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Message Posted: Jun 12, 2011 4:34:56 AM

Hey Fire, what is the price of E85 up your way?
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furball64801
Champion Author Missouri

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Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 10:06:21 PM

I have been splash blending now for over 5 yrs and the only thing that stopped one car was the tornado that hit Joplin. We were in the other car at the time and saved it. So over 60% and no cel and it runs smother than any car I have had I love it.
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James48843
Veteran Author Michigan

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Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 9:37:19 PM

I "splash blend" my 2005 Silverado 4.3 liter v6. It's not a flex-fuel, but I run 5 gallons of E85 and 17 gallons of E10 each fillup.

That 5/17 gives me a mix of E27, which also is 91 octane. Pretty good stuff. And no check engine lights with E27- it runs just fine.
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GasFreeLeaf
Champion Author Orange County

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Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 8:11:52 PM

Good call sysrqa35
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sysrqa35
Rookie Author Columbia

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Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 11:59:13 AM

ethanol is not the way to go. electric cars are better.
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FIREJKP22
All-Star Author Pittsburgh

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Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 10:35:36 AM

Awesome to see so many Ethanol supporters who are also in turn, supporters of our great country, the United States of America.
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Pitbull1
Veteran Author Detroit

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Message Posted: Jun 9, 2011 6:54:28 AM

I use E85 all the time in my truck. I purchase at least 1 tankful a week. I find the ability to use alternative fuels to my advantage. I see more and more people in Michigan using E85. I sometimes have to wait to use the E85 pumps because there is only one at each station. I fully support Meijer in Michigan for putting E85 pumps in many of their gas station locations. So, I am supporting this country that makes stuff! Like Ethanol.
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aRBy
Veteran Author Grand Rapids

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Message Posted: Jun 8, 2011 7:48:59 PM

Pitbull:

I appreciate your desire to reduce petroleum consumption. However, my preference is to mandate fully flex fuel vehicles that can run on any combination of ethanol, methanol and gasoline. After that, let the market decide how much of each fuel is produced.

One thing is for certain: America is in a severe recession and the best way out of it is to "make stuff". The best stuff to make is that which is in highest demand and automotive fuels is clearly at the top of the list.

If all cars sold in America could use any mix of gasoline and alcohol based fuels (methanol included), I think Americans would be getting very busy "making stuff" and we'd see strong economic growth once again.

Allowing a tiny 5% increase in the ethanol content of gasoline won't make a significant impact on American economic growth. It's time to shift our focus from ethanol supply and focus on ethanol/methanol DEMAND. If we make cars that can use the fuels, the demand will be there and nobody will have to regulate how much ethanol is in our gasoline.
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Pitbull1
Veteran Author Detroit

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Message Posted: Jun 8, 2011 4:12:30 PM

We need to get that E15 out there. That is 5% less oil needed to make gasoline!
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FIREJKP22
All-Star Author Pittsburgh

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Message Posted: Jun 8, 2011 12:23:24 PM

Definetely worth it steamy. I have more power in my non-flex fuel SUV when running E85 blends and I only lose 1-2mpg. Usually only 1mpg.
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steamy_coyler
All-Star Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Jun 8, 2011 11:50:25 AM

Is E85 worth it?
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JediKnight
Champion Author Wisconsin

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Message Posted: Jun 6, 2011 10:10:33 AM

Sounds like a win-win Goldseeker...

Good luck.

Anybody seen E15 showing up as an available option for 2001-Present Non-FFVs yet?

I've been off the higher blend ethanol for maybe two months now. Did some vehicle maintenance (Spark Plugs, Throttle Body, Fuel System cleaning,etc.) after an unexpected "lean" code. Vehicle's MPG has increased with the new plugs and cleaning. Might be time again to test E15 to E40 and see if MPG and the OBDII system is able to hold up.
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southtown43701
Champion Author Ohio

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2011 11:51:03 PM

x
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goldseeker
Champion Author West Virginia

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2011 6:18:46 PM

Fire: Just wanted you to know that I was looking at the new Ford Focus 2012 yesterday. They have completely redesigned the engine which has added 25 hp and also increased the mileage to over 40 mpg. They did not have a FlexFuel model in yet, but they will call me as soon as one comes in.

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lanenebraska
Sophomore Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Apr 8, 2011 11:16:10 AM

08Apr11----Still running STRONG with NO Kit!!!! (Started E85 on 27Feb11)...
.
.
.
.
//Still running fine on E85 plus the CEL :-) (Started E85 on 27Feb11)

Here's the mileage breakdown:
Reg Gas= 18hwy - 15city
E85 Gas= 15hwy - 13city

No FFV Kit, and NoN-FFV 2002 V6-4.0 4x4 Ford Ranger!

Runs GREAT and has lots of power :D \\

//////Folks
I am going to run straight E85 in the Ranger till I get some type of failure/bad starting, Then I'll convert it to FFV with a White Lightning Kit.
It runs perfectly well right now. Has lots of power and no hesitation or stumbling. The temp gauge is exactly the same as Gasoline :-)

I've cleared the CEL 3 times already and just keeps coming on. When the code says lean--that means the computer has already added MORE fuel to try and compensate for the condition. This Extra Fuel-- is allowing the V6 Ranger to run so well on the E85.

I anticipate that the very cold winter weather will require MORE fuel to start the engine properly. So I'm holding off on the conversion kit till I Really need it :-) // /////////

[Edited by: lanenebraska at 4/8/2011 12:17:03 PM EST]
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DMMELLOW
Rookie Author New Hampshire

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Message Posted: Mar 29, 2011 10:48:10 PM

Hey ,i had been using E-85 in my OLDS BRAVADA SUV O3 for more than 4 years now
Runs fine ,no problems whatsoever
give it a try America
Let's get rid of plain gas!
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lanenebraska
Sophomore Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Mar 28, 2011 10:50:14 AM

Still running fine on E85 plus the CEL :-) (Started E85 on 27Feb11)

Here's the mileage breakdown:
Reg Gas= 18hwy - 15city
E85 Gas= 15hwy - 13city

No FFV Kit, and NoN-FFV 2002 V6-4.0 4x4 Ford Ranger!

Runs GREAT and has lots of power :D
//Folks
I am going to run straight E85 in the Ranger till I get some type of failure/bad starting, Then I'll convert it to FFV with a White Lightning Kit.
It runs perfectly well right now. Has lots of power and no hesitation or stumbling. The temp gauge is exactly the same as Gasoline :-)

I've cleared the CEL 3 times already and just keeps coming on. When the code says lean--that means the computer has already added MORE fuel to try and compensate for the condition. This Extra Fuel-- is allowing the V6 Ranger to run so well on the E85.

I anticipate that the very cold winter weather will require MORE fuel to start the engine properly. So I'm holding off on the conversion kit till I Really need it :-) //
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lanenebraska
Sophomore Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Mar 17, 2011 9:34:38 PM

Filled up today with E85, and still getting 15mpg with the Ranger :-)

Still have the CheckEnglight, but engine running strong and responsive!

[Edited by: lanenebraska at 3/17/2011 10:37:08 PM EST]
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SilverStreaker
Champion Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Mar 12, 2011 7:40:43 AM

lanenebraska, welcome to GasBuddies! I look forward to your posts.
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lanenebraska
Sophomore Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Mar 11, 2011 12:36:47 PM

Hello,

I've converted one car, a Mitsibuishi Mirage 4-banger to FFV with the WhiteLightning conversion kit. /
The strange thing is, that this car was running just fine on E85 for over a year With-Out the kit! After I hooked it up, all we got out of it was just a little more noticeable power.

But just recently purchased a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 6cyl- 4.0 Non-FFV. I've filled the tank 3 times so far with E85, and just now got the CheckEngine Light. Still runs fine, better performance and Idles smoothly. I was gonna get the Conversion kit for this one too, but now I'm just gonna change the fuel filter, and see how it does without the kit.

I'll keep you all posted!

Right now the price of gas in Omaha is about (3.50 E10)-(3.65 Premium), and I can get E85 for 2.90.
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SilverStreaker
Champion Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 8:49:16 AM

nurdco, the ethanol content in E85 varies by state and by month. Appendix A in the Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 shows the different E85 classes by state and month. I can run my Honda CRV on 35% ethanol and 65% in my Ford Windstar. With higher concentrations, my CEL can come on, mostly if I'm on the highway for more than a half hour.
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nurdco
Champion Author Colorado Springs

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Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 1:26:27 AM

e85 is 70% ethanol SO Do not push your luck in Non Flex engine over 25% of e85....

Quarter tank...Fella
of e85 fuel
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SilverStreaker
Champion Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 2:17:14 PM

feldagast, start with small increases each tank full or more or you run the risk of the gunk in the bottom of your gas tank plugging your filter. I had over 60,000 miles on my non-FFVs when I started blending E85 with gas, but had no problems using this method.
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feldagast
All-Star Author Toledo

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Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 1:04:59 PM

If E85 is 15% or more cheaper than gas then you can cut even, now that gas is through the roof again the difference is price is getting up there again and I might throw some into the tank. ^ months ago the price difference was not great enough to justify the loss in mpg that I got.
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JediKnight
Champion Author Wisconsin

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Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 11:27:17 AM

SilverStreaker,

Good point. Stations that have the E85 pump next to the "regular" pump... OR happen to have blender pumps (offering blends up to E85) are preferred. Less time and effort on the customer's part is always nice.

Even FFV users sometimes see a need for a custom blend. Be in MPG/CPM or a "finicky" Engine that prefers a lower ethanol diet that needs servicing.
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goldseeker
Champion Author West Virginia

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Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 6:27:31 AM

"What exactly do you think you are accomplishing by running on so much ethanol? "

1) less greenhouse emissions

2) helps reduce dependence on foriegn oil

3) no military needed to guard the midwestern corn fields

4) your motor will run must cleaner with less carbon buildup
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James48843
Veteran Author Michigan

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Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 5:36:43 AM

#1-Everyone should buy a flex=fuel vehicle, and then it's not an issue.

#2. All cars made in the USA since 1988 are required to have hoses and gaskets that can withstand E10. Therefore, the materials compatibility isn't an issue for anything 1988 and newer.

#3- MOST cars can run E30 just fine. Concentrations higher than E30 - you have to check your own car and see where the "check engine- lean" light comes on. Many (about half) can go to E50 before you get a check engine light. If you get a light, then just add a couple gallons of gasoline, and you'll be fine.

Enjoy.
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DrZ01
Rookie Author Indianapolis

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 10:29:53 PM

I'm a bit late on this thread, but I have been hearing from people I know that they are running 50% E-85 mixtures in their non-FFV's. I personally have a FFV suburban and it runs great and one benefit I have noticed since using this auto with exclusively E-85 is how clean the oil stays. With 5000 miles on the oil it looks almost new!. I have found that the best mpg's are from a 50:50 mixture of E-85 and unleaded even for a FFV. The person that I know most recently that is using E-85 in a non-FFV is the wife of the owner of the new POET ethanol plant in Cloverdale, Indiana!

[Edited by: DrZ01 at 3/8/2011 11:31:17 PM EST]
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SilverStreaker
Champion Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 8:37:37 PM

lross94, the only extra time that it takes me to blend E85 with gasoline is the time to switch from one pump to another. The pumps are next to each other, so I don't have to move the car. I save 20% on E85 compared to regular gas.
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Hannie59
All-Star Author Appleton

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 7:57:17 PM

Well for me, I am keeping dollars away from an oil company and giving them to a locally owned company that produces the fuel about 30 miles away from my house. I would like to be giving all of my fuel dollars to them, but they do have to take most of my money and buy gas with it so their station can sell to everyone with their blender pumps E-10, E-20, and E-85. But hey, every dollar helps.

I know it is much cleaner burning but frankly that is not as much of a motivator as I described above.

As far as the time goes, yeah it does take longer, and unfortunately, nothing I can do about that until I can use e-85 straight up.


[Edited by: Hannie59 at 3/8/2011 9:00:23 PM EST]
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lross94
Champion Author Lexington

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 6:11:58 PM

Hannie59 and furball64801, you seem to be going through an awful lot of trouble to get your fuel. I don't typically have that much time when I am refueling.

I also have a question for you. What exactly do you think you are accomplishing by running on so much ethanol?
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JediKnight
Champion Author Wisconsin

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 10:13:37 AM

az4x4runner,

That is what the engine light would tell you... (On an 1996-Present OBDII Vehicle at least).

If you get a light... add some more Gasoline to the tank to reduce the likelihood of LEAN conditions. The light should go out after awhile... once sensors tell the computer it's within it's expected air/fuel ratio range.
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az4x4runner
Sophomore Author Arizona

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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 9:01:15 AM

I personally would not do it. Ethanol isn't as efficient as gasoline so your vehicle, unless modified to inject more fuel, will run lean. Lean condition = heat/detonation. I'd spend the money on gas, be good to your engine.
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Hannie59
All-Star Author Appleton

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Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 11:28:27 AM

FIRE, a genuinely good question!

I have run higher than 50% in both my vehicles at times with no problem or no check engine light, but typically run 30%.

I am not fortunate enough to own a flex fuel vehicle yet, but do enjoy the fact that I am doing something good and keeping some of my fuel dollars here in my community (I fill up at a station that gets their ethanol from a specific local plant)

The station features E-10, E-20, and E-85. I just put 3 gallons e-85 (4 gals in the other car) to the rest E-10 and viola, there is my 30% mix.



[Edited by: Hannie59 at 3/7/2011 12:29:42 PM EST]
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furball64801
Champion Author Missouri

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Message Posted: Mar 6, 2011 12:32:36 PM

What several us are doing is called splash blending, I run 60% without any conversion and some of the cars you saw filling up could have been doing that.
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FIREJKP22
All-Star Author Pittsburgh

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Message Posted: Mar 6, 2011 9:58:17 AM

So how much do these "E-85 Converters" cost? Just wondering.

I don't know how well it would do for me being that there is only 1 station around me that carries it, and it's 30 minutes away.
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SilverStreaker
Champion Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Mar 5, 2011 12:15:45 PM

The way I heard to do it is to start out by adding small amounts of E85, then slowly increasing the concentration. I tried this with my two non-FFVs over 3 years ago and have had no performance or maintenance problems. I run up to 35% ethanol in my Honda CRV and up to 65% in my Ford Windstar. Higher concentrations tend to make my emission light come on while on the highway.
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furball64801
Champion Author Missouri

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Message Posted: Mar 5, 2011 11:16:43 AM

Now we have another real world post of whats really going on. As other posters know I have been using an ethanol mix in my two non ffv vehicles for over 5 yrs with great results. I have run over 70% but you have to do it right. You start out with 20% and gradually move up to the next level give it a month on each mix till you hit about 60% I have run even higher without any affects but it seems to get the best mileage at 60% which is 25 mpg in a 2005 Pt Cruiser she runs very smooth at that mix.
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goldseeker
Champion Author West Virginia

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Message Posted: Mar 5, 2011 12:46:20 AM

Kawtoy. I would not hesitate to convert the car that you did. I even used high ethanol blends in a 1967 Ford. However, eating rubber by ethanol is not likely. It would be good to replace rubber hoses that are that old anyway. There are other components in gasoline that are much more likely to degrade rubber hoses.

I know plenty of folks that have converted non-ffvs to high ethanol blends. Some use modules. Some upgrade injectors, fuel pumps, etc.. and others do nothing. I have been amazed at the results. Most, if not all get better economy than factory ffvs.
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JediKnight
Champion Author Wisconsin

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Message Posted: Mar 5, 2011 12:33:05 AM

Some of those vehicles might not actually be running straight E85.

As it's still Winter in much of the country it's likely they are actually pumping E70 (The Winter Blend to help avoid poor starting in Flexfuel vehicles). Along with that they could be mixing that "E85" with a tank of E0/E10 and creating a less extreme blend of Ethanol to run in their "Non-FFV".

Some research online might suggest that many OBDII vehicles (1996-Present) can better attempt to set the appropriate air/fuel mixture when encountering different fuel blends. While it isn't expected that all non-FFVs can successfully run on straight E85... it isn't unheard of to run blends of E20-E30 or higher without seeing any obvious issues from either the vehicle's onboard computer or with it's ability to run "normally"... if you didn't know any better.

As the Ethanol level increases the vehicle's computer might not be able to adjust and would throw a warning light signaling it's unable to adjust. To keep the computer "happy"... it'd be best to stay at an E-blend that will keep the light off or turn it off after adding more Gasoline/E10.

Some Non-FFVs could potentially be throwing warnings but still "technically" be functioning properly... it's just that it's seeing settings that aren't "normal" for the program... Of coarse unless you can be certain it isn't actually an issue... it's best to stay within the limits the vehicle "tells you" is OK. Checking Oil samples and/or conducting Oil Analysis to verify proper engine wear and condition can be very helpful.
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Jmkinsey1984
Champion Author Fort Wayne

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 8:14:48 PM

I have seen that you can add a e-85 converter to vehicles that can not currently run on e-85 but I am not sure if it works but I would like to know if it would work.
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pgerassi
Champion Author Milwaukee

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 7:45:09 PM

Ethanol does not eat rubber period! Look up the compatability charts for ethyl achohol for various materials. All the chemical companies tell people this and any decent chemist, yet the myths persist. Engines do run better on ethanol than most so called "pure" gasoline. The gasoline you get at the pump has many additives to mitigate its various shortcomings. And the current refined gasoline is better than the old refined product because of the various steps used to remove undesirable components. Raw gasoline has about a 40-60 octane rating and is quite filled with undesirable chemical compounds. So every retail gas adds an additive package filled with octane improvers, detergents, lubricants, stabilizers and other such chemicals to gasoline feedstock to satisfy the various fuel requirements to allow selling at retail.

Ethanol based fuels have a smaller set of additives that are quite a bit cheaper. They don't need octane improvers and agents to fix those improvers that mess up other needed standards. They need less detergent, but do need some extra lubricant into that additive package. One other thing needed for BATF is some sort of denaturant to prevent drinking by humans. Gasoline works for this purpose and is a common denaturant in ethanol based fuels. Methanol is another common denaturant.

As to damage, timing must be reset for higher ethanol content, but most fuel injection systems have enough controls to do that as a matter of course. Also a higher fuel to air ratio is required for optimal operation. Instead of the typical 1:16 gasoline to air ratio, you need about 1:10.8 E85 to air ratio. However because of the much higher octane (108 for E85 by test and the effective octane number is more like 119-123) allows for far leaner mixtures to be used without the dreaded detonation problem.
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Kawtoy_77
Champion Author Illinois

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 2:44:01 PM

Also they make kits to convert cars not made to run e85 to utilize the amazing corn fuel.
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Kawtoy_77
Champion Author Illinois

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 2:42:58 PM

I did this in my old '85 GMC..... It can eat the rubber seals and hoses over time. As far as engine damage I have yet to see that.
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