E85 gas?

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Apr 3, 2010 | 02:24 PM

#11

07RoadHawg

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,788

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From: Here

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Rey

It is not high octane. First, do you understand what octane actually is? Second, E85 gas has more alcohol than anything, so how could it be high octane?

Ethanol is actually about 117 octane. Yes, octane is a NGL component that is extracted from wet gas at a gas processing plant and is composed of (among other things) a string of 8 carbon atoms. The way they use 85% ethanol in the gas mix and still get it to 87, 89, or 91 is they use less octane in the 15% gasoline part of the blend. Our engines are not set up for E85, but there are kits out there to get that done as mentioned earlier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by texas_speed_freak

Ethanol WILL lower your gas mileage. Ethanol also eats plastic and rubber so you start having problems with your fuel lines getting leaks, rubber o-rings deteriating, etc... Thats why they make special carbs for cars running ethanol

One other thing. I thought all gas stations in all states ran a percentage of ethanol in the gasoline? I know all of them do in DFW Texas. So around here its not a choice its the way it is.

True enough about the older gen fuel systems and the lowering mileage. Most vehicles manufactured since the mid 80's have fuel lines and fittings that can handle the alcohol mix, but it has historically been tougher on a carb vs FI. I'm not sure when HD started using the different lines, but all modern HD engines can handle the 10% blend. The lower mileage comes from the lower BTU value of ethanol compared to gasoline. However, as proven in race conditions, ethanol can make tremendous amounts of power when the engine is set up for it (higher compression, enough fuel fed to the cylinders, etc).

I have heard it mentioned that there is no such thing as "pure" gasoline anymore due to it being transported in the same pipelines as the blends. Might just be an internet rumor though. Oklahoma law (like most states IIRC) requires a label on the pump if you don't sell "pure" gas. They say something like "fuel contains up to 10% ethanol." Given the choice, I'd pick a pure gas pump over an E10 pump if it's available.

Anyway, WTFDIK as always.