Flexfuel? E85? E15?

acamara · Sep 27, 2016

Rob Croson said:
I checked the owner's manual for the van (downloaded from the Dodge web site.) The yellow cap printed "Gasoline E85" means I can use Flexfuel, just like Paul says. Then it says I might lose up to 30% off of my gas mileage. (So 20% cheaper, but maybe 30% lower mileage...) And that it could be hard starting/rough when extremely cold (<32F). And that it shouldn't be used less than 0F. And that switching back and forth between gas and ethanol is not recommended. And that seasonal blends are best in colder temperatures... What a PITA just trying to fill the tank.

Thanks for the pointers. Maybe the next time the van gets really low, I'll try a tank of it and see what happens. The owner's manual says that when you're switching between fuel types, you should add at least 5 gallons of the new kind, then drive at least 5 miles.

Very Strange to hear that using Ethanol may make hard to start Vehicle in Extreme cold.

In winter time, Locomotive Engines require Ethanol to be added to the Grade 1 Diesel Fuel to prevent Icing up of the Diesel Fuel.

I just checked and the freezing point of Ethanol is -114'C

We do not have E85 where we live but we have 10% Ethanol added to regular gas. Regular Gas has an Octane rating of 87 while a 10% Ethanol lend increases the Octane to 88.

So what the Manual is saying makes little sense to me but I am merely offering my opinion on this as I am no expert on this by any means.

Coss · Sep 27, 2016

Ethanol also attracts water, and will leave a bunch of Gark in your fuel tank and fuel lines including where it will rust the inside of your gas tank.
No thanks.

Jeff H · Sep 27, 2016

Energy Density (MJ/L) is the easiest way to look at it.

Gasoline is a little over 34.2
E10 - 33.2
E85 - 25.7
E100 is ~21

It is a way to "water" petrol down, but also introduces problems, see Coss' post.

acamara · Sep 27, 2016

In Manitoba, Canada the only Gasoline with no Ethanol is Premium

Our Regular Gasoline uses 10% Ethanol with an Octane rating of 88
Our Medium Gasoline uses 5% Ethanol with an Octane rating of 90

I had a 1996 Bonnevile SSEi for over 5 years and although it was recommended that I used Premium or Mid Grade I only used Regular with 10% Ethanol and never had any issues, no backfiring, no sputtering no Fuel Line Freezing even at -40F/C Temps. I was side Swipped 3 years ago and car was totaled.

I am now driving a Nissan Maxima 3.5L and use only Regular Gas which includes 10% Ethanol and no issues at all.

I have never owned a Vehicle that runs on E85 so I cannot comment on E85

wizard of ahs · Sep 27, 2016

Ian442 said:
We have some local stations that sell Ethanol free gas. It's not cheap but I get it for my pushmower

Rob Croson said:
When I was in PA over the summer, I did see quite a few gas stations selling ethanol free gas. And yeah, there was a significant price difference for that stuff.

http://pure-gas.org/

Coss said:
Ethanol also attracts water, and will leave a bunch of Gark in your fuel tank and fuel lines including where it will rust the inside of your gas tank.
No thanks.

I'm sure you are aware.......but for those that are not.......we already are at 10% ethanol in regular gas: for the most part

Not only does it attract water, it's VERY hard on seals !

floydv · Sep 27, 2016

I think the pic you posted is of a blender pump, which should allow you to specify how much ethanol you want up to 85% by volume. Your flex fuel van can handle that much. Try different blends and see how much of an impact on mileage that you actually experience. Then pencil out the cost savings at the various blend levels so you can determine the optimal blend that works for you and your budget.

Coss · Sep 27, 2016

wizard of ahs said:
http://pure-gas.org/
I'm sure you are aware.......but for those that are not.......we already are at 10% ethanol in regular gas: for the most part
Not only does it attract water, it's VERY hard on seals !

According to the link you posted, I already buy my gas from the station that carries pure 87 and 92

Coss · Sep 27, 2016

Here's a little article on how Ethanol attracts water:
From the article:
Whether or not the alcohol is in a medical, cleanser, beverage or fuel - All alcohols attract water. It's the "water absorbing" properties that makes ethanol gas most problematic and difficult to manage. Therefore, when excess water enters fuel supply, gasoline will phase separate.

Here's the article:
http://www.fuel-testers.com/expiration_of_ethanol_gas.html

Ty · Sep 28, 2016

acamara said:
Very Strange to hear that using Ethanol may make hard to start Vehicle in Extreme cold.

In winter time, Locomotive Engines require Ethanol to be added to the Grade 1 Diesel Fuel to prevent Icing up of the Diesel Fuel.

I just checked and the freezing point of Ethanol is -114'C

We do not have E85 where we live but we have 10% Ethanol added to regular gas. Regular Gas has an Octane rating of 87 while a 10% Ethanol lend increases the Octane to 88.

So what the Manual is saying makes little sense to me but I am merely offering my opinion on this as I am no expert on this by any means.

Remember that ethanol prevents diesel fuel from jelling, not freezing. Ethanol is less energetic than gasoline which can make vehicles harder to start in cold weather.

Ian442 · Sep 28, 2016

wizard of ahs said:
http://pure-gas.org/

I'm sure you are aware.......but for those that are not.......we already are at 10% ethanol in regular gas: for the most part

Not only does it attract water, it's VERY hard on seals !

I am very aware

Flexfuel? E85? E15?

acamara

Elio Addict

Coss

Moderator

Jeff H

Elio Addict

acamara

Elio Addict

wizard of ahs

Elio Addict

floydv

Elio Addict

Coss

Moderator

Coss

Moderator

Ty

Elio Addict

Ian442

Elio Addict

Shirts & Stickers