2020 Flex Fuel Question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2021
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2020 Flex Fuel Question
All,
I have a 2020 F-150 5.0 and was hoping I could get some of your thoughts. It’s a Flex Fuel.
I read the owners manual and it says to use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
But it also says, for best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
So what is it? I tow a fishing boat in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Should I use the premium (91) all the time or 87 for daily, towing and non-towing driving?
I just wanted to see what you all use in your Flex Fuel’s.
thank you!
I have a 2020 F-150 5.0 and was hoping I could get some of your thoughts. It’s a Flex Fuel.
I read the owners manual and it says to use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
But it also says, for best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
So what is it? I tow a fishing boat in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Should I use the premium (91) all the time or 87 for daily, towing and non-towing driving?
I just wanted to see what you all use in your Flex Fuel’s.
thank you!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 413
It might burn it, that way they can say it does, but you couldn't pay me to put corn oil in my truck (even if it could take it). Only time I use E85 is when I return a rental at the airport. The lower prices from what I've read and heard over the years, do not offset the lower mpg you will receive. If you are one of those treehuggers, might be a great option for you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
To make running E85 literally pay off is if it is 25% cheaper than whatever fuel you would normally run. This is because you will get approximately 25% less fuel economy from it.
$3.00/gal of your normal fuel --- $2.25/gal E85 and you'll break even.
If your towning is on flat ground, small hills and such you'll be fine running 87 octane. If you're towing in some serious hill or mountainous terrain I'd run 91 or 93 for that extra ooomph and deteonation protectiuon.
$3.00/gal of your normal fuel --- $2.25/gal E85 and you'll break even.
If your towning is on flat ground, small hills and such you'll be fine running 87 octane. If you're towing in some serious hill or mountainous terrain I'd run 91 or 93 for that extra ooomph and deteonation protectiuon.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: North Shore MA
I asked a similar question a few months back (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...mium-fuel.html). Some swear by premium in the 5.0, others only use it when towing. Many (like me) just run 87 all the time. A lot of people seem to go out of their way to avoid E85 altogether. Flex Fuel vehicles have been available for years and I personally haven't seen any evidence that E85 is better in real world conditions.
Anecdotally, I have seen stations where both E85 and ethanol-free are available and ethanol-free seems to be the overwhelmingly popular choice despite being more expensive.
Anecdotally, I have seen stations where both E85 and ethanol-free are available and ethanol-free seems to be the overwhelmingly popular choice despite being more expensive.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 1,239
From: San Antonio, TX
When I had a flex fuel truck, I would run a tank every 6 months or so. It's a great valve train cleaner. The other downside to using it on a regular basis is that the alcohol gets past the rings easier and break the oil down quicker. If you read the owners manual, you will see that the required maintenance is more frequent when using E85.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
All,
I have a 2020 F-150 5.0 and was hoping I could get some of your thoughts. It’s a Flex Fuel.
I read the owners manual and it says to use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
But it also says, for best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
So what is it? I tow a fishing boat in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Should I use the premium (91) all the time or 87 for daily, towing and non-towing driving?
I just wanted to see what you all use in your Flex Fuel’s.
thank you!
I have a 2020 F-150 5.0 and was hoping I could get some of your thoughts. It’s a Flex Fuel.
I read the owners manual and it says to use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
But it also says, for best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
So what is it? I tow a fishing boat in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Should I use the premium (91) all the time or 87 for daily, towing and non-towing driving?
I just wanted to see what you all use in your Flex Fuel’s.
thank you!
Yes, it’s cheaper but your MPG’s will suffer drastically.
If the price doesn’t bother you, use Premium all the time but your vehicle will run just fine on 87.
I’m a fan of Shell V Power 93 and it’s all I’ve ever used.
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