E85

[PeterPalmieri]

In 2005 I sold my “OJ” bronco when gas went to 3.50 a gallon and a fill up passed $100. We had later purchased my wife a 2013 Durango, not having any clue it could take regular 87 or E85. Over the years we occasionally put E85 in the tank. We now have over 110k miles, with no ill effects.

We are more recently enjoying E85 while 87 is 3.87 and E85 was 2.54 today. I’m guessing there is a govt supplement going on so I thank you all for your contribution.

[Tony Meola]

Uncle Joe is helping the corn farmers out.

How is it impacting your gas milage?

[Rawleigh]

It is fine if the vehicle is made for it. Just reduced mileage I hear.

[PeterPalmieri]

We’ve never used it consistently enough to see the difference in MPG but have run it enough over the years to know that Dodge did their job and it hasn’t effected the engine negatively.

[PeterPalmieri]

Take that all back went from 18 to 14 mpg around town. And the check engine light came on. Indicating a fuel issue. I guess I should have excepted anything else.

[Carl]

...could be clogged injectors as that ethanol does a great job "cleaning".


If you'er lucky, it may just be a loose gas cap tossing up the light.

[Geebert]

Take that all back went from 18 to 14 mpg around town. And the check engine light came on. Indicating a fuel issue. I guess I should have excepted anything else.

Lean mixture?
Long term fuel trim out of range?
O2 sensor out of limits?
Just guessing, but im curious.
Let us know what you find

[Bruce]

When changing fuels the computer needs to see at least a 10 or 12 gallon change in fuel level or it will not recalibrate for the alt fuel and throw a check engine light.

This can somewhat be confirmed if the engine is running alright, but still throws a light. Code may be a lean running condition from the o2 sensor.
And yes your mileage is gonna suck. About 20 to 30% more fuel burn to match gasoline mileage.

Also E85 fuels are hygroscopic. Higher humidity climates are worse but so is winter for moisture which E85 will absorb like a rummy to sterno, degrading the fuel. While engines that are designed for E85 use materials that hold up better to liquid corn, it still is very corrosive to engine components.

Some of the engines I've built for these restomods cars that are street driven use 2 or 3 sets of injectors. One for gasoline and the others for E85 with multiple tunes in the ECU depending on HP and fuel flow required to produce that.

[Carl]

Wow Bruce...I had no clue, thank you for the insight into how the vehicles are made to tackle E85.


Liquid corn is such a benefit to us!