E85 Alternative Fuel
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E85 Alternative Fuel
There are several gas stations around here that have started selling this alternative fuel. It is made from corn and is 85 percent ethanol. Octane rating is 105. I know their website says on FFV vehicles should be used when running E-85.
What would it take to make my old 1996 F-150, 4.9 I-6 run it. It's about 30 cents cheaper a gallon and would make a heck of difference in the ole wallet if it was feasible.
What would it take to make my old 1996 F-150, 4.9 I-6 run it. It's about 30 cents cheaper a gallon and would make a heck of difference in the ole wallet if it was feasible.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
It can be done, but it all goes back to the old saying:
"Good, fast, cheap. You can pick any two."
For best results, you'd want to rebuild your motor to better support the ethanol. Start with higher compression. 12:1 would be about right. Next, you might have problems with rubber / plastic components in the fuel system. It is set up to work with 10% ethanol, and I doubt you'd have a problem on 85%. But be advised you might have to change a fuel pump and some lines, possibly injectors too. Some sort of intake manifold heating is highly recommended to get the ethanol to vaporize correctly.
Speaking of injectors, you need to put more fuel in with E85. The proper way would be to have a custom computer chip programmed for ethanol, and use a couple sizes bigger injectors.
You could probably just dump it in the tank and run it the way it is now, but your mileage will likely go down enough to negate any benefit. Plus, you'd likely have cold start difficulties.
"Good, fast, cheap. You can pick any two."
For best results, you'd want to rebuild your motor to better support the ethanol. Start with higher compression. 12:1 would be about right. Next, you might have problems with rubber / plastic components in the fuel system. It is set up to work with 10% ethanol, and I doubt you'd have a problem on 85%. But be advised you might have to change a fuel pump and some lines, possibly injectors too. Some sort of intake manifold heating is highly recommended to get the ethanol to vaporize correctly.
Speaking of injectors, you need to put more fuel in with E85. The proper way would be to have a custom computer chip programmed for ethanol, and use a couple sizes bigger injectors.
You could probably just dump it in the tank and run it the way it is now, but your mileage will likely go down enough to negate any benefit. Plus, you'd likely have cold start difficulties.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
there are many threads in this forum about this, and many opinions. The only way to know for sure how it will work out is to do some research, and play with it a little. I have had some success running GM vehicles on it, but I have no Ford gassers to do it on. I have been told by a friend that tried it that he lost mileage on his 96 Taurus. My 94 Plymouth van did not run too well on it, was hard starting and lost mileage. Only on the GM vehicles did I maintain mileage and driveability.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by 74fordhighboypickup
There are several gas stations around here that have started selling this alternative fuel. It is made from corn and is 85 percent ethanol. Octane rating is 105. I know their website says on FFV vehicles should be used when running E-85. What would it take to make my old 1996 F-150, 4.9 I-6 run it. It's about 30 cents cheaper a gallon and would make a heck of difference in the ole wallet if it was feasible.
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