Whit Shadow, I definitely support your motives. Hang in there.

 

I was thinking of pure alcohol, thanks for the correction...

 

Who does one have to contact to find out about compatibility of my 2.5L fuel injectors and fuel system?

 

99F150, I really don't know. If it isn't set up for flex fuel, then you have to compare individual parts. Go to a Ford parts site, or a site like Advance Auto, and look up parts for a flex fuel 3.0 liter (injectors, pump, lines ect...) Ranger and compare them to your own. If they don't match, then you can probably replace them with the flex fuel parts. It probably would be less hassle to trade for a 3.0 six flex fuel truck, but I'm sure that there are plenty of junk yards that would have the parts at half price.

 

Thanks White Shadow, I am trying to find out.

The last two tanks, about 350 miles so far I have blended my own mix. I figure I am running about 33% ethenanol. The engine runs great but MPG is down about 2.

I am really interested in running a custom chip like you and pure E85.
Dan

 

99F150, Did your engine lite come on and set any codes for lean a/f ratio, or O2 sensor reading lean? this is where the proper injectors, fuel mapping, and timing come in. We hooked up the scan tool on our trucks again to double check everything. In E85 mode on the chip under full load, timing cannot go below 14*btdc. In 87 octane mode, under full load(50mph in OD) and full throttle, timin was retarded momentarily to 0* btdc. The power difference is very noticeable. Timing at full advance no load at 2500 rpm is 43* in E85 mode-very cool. Chip makes a huge difference. The cool thing is that I can switch down to a 93 mode and use high octane gas and almost get the same power, but actually increase milage by 2mpg. So the 3 position chip is well worth it, and then you can truly be flex fuel. I drive 90 miles a day with E85 and have no problems. So far, I have driven since last June with either E85, or with no less 50/50 blend. E85 is catching on here in northern Indiana, which is driving the price up, but I don't care, I'll still use it-GO USA!!!!!!!!!!

 

No check engine light yet. When this tank runs out I will have 700-750 miles running 33% ethanol and I will change the oil incase it has been running rich and creates some fuel dillution in the oil.

Too bad we are so far apart, I would like to do the tests you have done to see the timing etc. Motor HAven says he can burn me the chip, so I have to set aside the cash to have it done.

E85 in Sioux Falls SD is $1.83 today

 

White Shadow,

Ok I have been doing a little lurking at parts on MOtorcraft web site.
3.0 Flex fuel uses differrnt fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pump spark plug and maybe the o2 sensor from the normal 3.0 V6

They do not give any information on the parts though with exception to the fuel filter. Only diff. for that is the inlet is 1/16th larger. (3/8 vs 5/16)

My guess is the fuel pump and injectors are a higher volume and possibly better quality part and that the spark splugs are a diff. heat range.

Did you change your plugs? do you know if you are flowing enough fuel and not leaning out?

Thanks Dan

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11273318/

you might find this link interesting. it is another slight jump forward in the alternative fuel industry.

 

My injectors are able to handle the extra fuel. It seems to only to be using about 10-15% more fuel in E85 mode. I have an OTC Monitor Elite and bring up live data and graphs. Everything except the chip is stock. Did't change plugs, but before burning E85, took them out and inspected them and documented color ect... Next oil change, if it isn't 20 below zero, I'm gonna pull a couple of plugs and check them. The computer hasn't set any codes, the O2 sensors are fluctuating fine, and my oil isn't diluting that I know of. I intend on sending in a sample just for curiousity sake. E85 is about $1.93 in Mishawaka, IN. Gas is $2.19-more people are starting to use it and drive up the price, and I hope moe people go for it and tell OPEC where to shove it. Go USA Corn Squezzins!!!!!!!!! You can drink it, you can burn it!

 

Fordtruckman838-Good article-thanks for the link-very informative.

 

Thanks for the info. I think the extra ethanol I have been runningis cleaning things out. Engine is starting to run smoother. I may run one more tank at 30-40%.
Dan

 

99f150, I Would Stick To 50% Blend At Most If Your Truck Isn't Flex Fuel. Most Of My Buds Are Doing The Same. I'm The Only One In Our Group Doing 100% E85. Someone's Gotta Do It!! I'm Like The First Guy Who Ate A Mushroom-ya Either Live Or Die-so Far So Good. Unless Yo Know There Isn't Any Brass Or Aluminum In Your System, Stick To 50%. A Guy At Work Uses 50% In A Ford Aspire, And He Gets About The Same Milage And After The E85 Cleaned Out His Fuel System, It's Running Smoother And More Power (like You Can Get A Whole Lot Out Of An Aspire Anyway). But We All Wanna Get Weaned From Middle East Crude. Also, The 1 Oz. Of Diesel Fuel I Add Per Gal. Of E85 To Help Lube The Pump-it's Generally The Stuff We Throw Away At The Shop When We Replace Fuel Filters On Diesel Engines. I Filter It, Remove The Water Ect... And Reuse It-free!! Go Usa Corn Squezzins!!!!

 

to solve the corrosion problem, we could all drive 460s with the cast iron block.

 

Question: Are you saying that E85 is harmful to all aluminum componants? Does that include pistons?