New owner of 2003 F250 CC 4X4 Lariat V10. Not overly mechanically inclined but, I can turn on the igniton, drive, and seek help from a good mechanic when I need to. The owners manual on fuel said not to use methanol, which I know to be a wood alcohol. Is ethanol (here in Iowa is corn alcohol and same as alcohol used in alcoholic beverages) safe to use for the fuel system and engine? Plan to begin pulling our 30' travel trailer with it in the Spring 2011.

 

Methanol and Ethanol are very much different. I have run higher concentration of Ethanol with no ill effects. Been running E10 since it was released back in the 80's with no extra fuel issues. I don't have that new of a truck, but my mom's 02 Buick Lesabre has run most of it's 340,000 miles with some kind of ethanol in it. Only time it doesn't is when it isn't available or priced higher.

Oh, and welcome! I work in CR, live sw of town, just past the Amanas.

 

Having moved from a V6 to a V10 for the first time, I am adjusting to a very thirsty engine, but looking for our trips pulling our RV over the Rockies in the spring and the Appalachians in the summer this year. On the road here in Iowa, without pulling our RV, on the Interstate I am averaging 12.2 mpg uphill, 12.5 mpg on the flat, and 12.8 mpg on the down hill. I have heard I should do about 10 mpg average pulling my RV. Any thoughts on increasing mpg?

 

Free flowing intake and exhaust are key, otherwise a programmer chip might help. Overall though, it is a big cube engine, and towing, it isn't going to get much better I'm afraid. My 88 with the 351W doesn't do that well. It also has a lot of miles, and the gears aren't good towing gears.

 

Thanks fellro86. Thought that last post was wishful thinking. I guess I'll just have to pay the man at the pump. Knew it when I bought it but, one can always dream. Thanks again.