If I wanted to run E85 in a carbureted engine, couldn't I just use an alcohol carb, and tune it accordingly? I'd use all steel fuel lines, of course. What kind of fuel pump would work?

 

actually, plastic fuel lines are best, with neoprene seals. There are alcohol pumps available. From what I have read, the reason the E85 ready electric fuel pumps cost more is that the plastic has to be of the grade that withstands alcohol, and the windings are silver instead of copper. Since you are running carbed, you will be able to use a mechanical that is alcohol capable though.

 

they make mechanical pumps for that engine to run alcohal.they cost about 100.00

 

Actually, the Ford Model T (1909-1927) was the first dual fuel vehicle. Low compression made it pretty inefficient, but it would run on regular still alcohol (containing 5% water). Ford supposedly said that he wanted the ability to run on alcohol because (in 1909), "There are more stills than gas stations."

 

So on a standard 1967 F-250 with a 390, edelbrock carb and rubber lines with a standard Electric fuel pump...what needs to be changed....everything?

 

carb needs upgraded, rubber fuel lines replaced with neoprene, the electric pump I'm not sure.

 

I would like to know who has gone through the trials to find out how to do it?

 

I've been researching this over on the VW forums at www.thesamba.com as well. Alot of guys over there mention that the carbs need to have a zinc or nickel coating, otherwise they deteriorate....not sure if that applies to the fords also or not. they seem to prefer a FI system for E85 conversions...and they mention that carb conversions are E85 only...not "flexfuel" equivalent.....perhaps with FI and computer adjustments a "flexfuel" setup is possible.

I'm a little beyond the E85 thing now though.....the more I learn about it, the worse of an idea it appears to be. With the use of corn, they are driving up the demand and prices for everything from tortillas to beer.....I think I'll wait until they figure out a method that uses Sawgrass or some other bio-mass that is not already in demand in other markets.

 

I say dont replace anything till parts start wearing out then upgrade them. Everybody has theories or hearsay to do this or do that and they dont have any actual experiences. Ive got a 302 in a 79 F-150 and Ive been running a high percentage of E85 through it. Its mildly built and has a cheap parts store electric fuel pump and Edelbrock carb. I re-jetted it for more flow and advanced the timing a bit and it seems to be ok. If the carb wears out or disintigrates (sp?) then I will upgrade it. Who knows it could take 20 years for the alchohol to eat it up. Granted I dont run the truck every day and I dont put a lot of miles on it. If I have any troubles I will let everyone know. Oh and any time I buy new rubber fuel line for anything I always get fuel injection hose for modern motors which costs a little more but its usually good for most common fuels.
And a side note, Im not worried about running out of corn for beer or tortillias. The price of EVERYTHING is going up and there isnt much we can do about it. We have had a huge surplus of corn and other crops in this country for years not to mention the government has paid farmers not to plant corn or other crops. Its nice that we finally have a market for all the excess crops. It would be a huge bonus if we were able to find an economical way to turn trash or other celulose (sp?) stuff into alchohol.

 

holy man...I just looked at the post prev, to mine, and seen 2005??? wow , sorry for the thread jesus dig-up..lol. well I was just wondering since we are looking for a cheap beater for me to go back and forth to work, and since carbed trucks are going for next to nothing, i figured this 75 f100 360 i found is well worth the 700 bucks, and replace the rubber lines and carb with alcohol style fuel stuff.

 

Wow you are right jturkey. Almost 2 years to the date. Im sure theres been a lot more experimenting going on since then.

 

And yet its mileage was in the high 20's. That's better than my @#$%@#$% '03 Taurus with the base engine

Calvin

 

It was geared to run about 20MPH also...

 

Best bet would be to buy the Edelbrock E85 carb. stick it on and bump up the timing. Your current carb will work if re jetted but if it has the black rubber needle and float they will go south quick and plug things up.

I have been running E85 in my 65 F100 with the 300 six for two years, I don't put many miles on it but the fuel is still in the system year round. So far no problems.

 

how much compression you running? being a 65 what about valve seats? or is it a newer engine? how did set the timing up? by checking plugs?