What is the difference between the 2005 F-150 and the 2006 Lincoln Mark LT that allows the 150 to run on E85 and the does not let the Lincoln run on E85? The 150 I had said that it could run on E85, so I put some in my lincoln that does not say anything about E85, now my check engine light came on??? Is it just computer programming?

Thanks.

 

The difference is huge!

An E85 Vehicle has SS lines, SS fuel tank, and the ability to determine the amount of E85 in the tank. The computer uses the sensors in the tank to adjust timing accordingly.

You should not put E-85 in any vehicle that is not labled for E85 use as it could ruin the motor from not having the proper timing, and degrading fuel lines and or tank. The CEL is probably on because of detonation or pinging.

You might be able to get away with filling up the tank with good ole 87 if you didn't put that much E85 in, other wise you may have to drain the tank.

 

Remember when people were only worried about the rubber seals and gaskets getting ruined by ethanol in the 70s...

It's funny that older cars (like 30s-50s) had no problem running on 100% ethanol...real fast. It's called White Lightning, aka Moonshine.

Now we have to have special fuel lines, tank liners, sensors and a computer program. Geez...

The feds have no problem with 10-15% ethanol added to your fuel you buy now.

-Kerry

 

But does the lincoln really lack all the hardware to run E85, and or is the computer programming different?

 

A plastic gas tank works with E85 too... most tanks these days are plastic.

The reason E85 lit your check engine light is because the mix burns differently than gas. The computer may see more O2 in the exhaust than it normally would, so it thinks it's running lean.

To run E85, the vehicle has to be "flex fuel" which means the computer monitors the percentage of ethanol (with a sensor) and adjusts mix and timing accordingly. If the vehicle is not "flex fuel", it shouldn't run E85.

To run E10, which is 10% Ethanol, used in probably most Metro areas, requires no changes.

 

The reason for the SS tank and lines is because E85 is pretty acidic.