Is there anything on the market to convert a non-flex fuel vehicle to run on E85? We have an 03 Expedition I'd like to convert as well as a couple of non-Fords.

 

Are you looking to convert to run straight E85, or make it flex fuel? Because making it flex fuel is a whole lot more difficult and / or costly than simply converting it to run E85.

 

I think Brazil makes kits but they would be illegal up here.

 

From what I've last heard there are no EPA approved kits.. therefore anything that had a "kit" installed would be illegal for highway use.

But I CAN guarantee there are some out there.. just couldn't tell you where.

 

Have to do a search, but I believe some were posted a while back that were legal with restrictions... mostly intended for older vehicles. EPA is still not approving any non-OEM stuff very well... at least not a t a reasonable price tag...

 

Try a google search for kit info.

 

Here are a couple of links that should help you.


http://flextek.com/
http://www.change2e85.com/

Good luck!

v/r,
Phil

 

Go to www.rune85.com

 

Here is the article about the legal info. http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php

 

I would be curious to know just how propane and ethanol as well as methanol are "dirtier" by emissions standards...

 

It isn't the fuels that are the problem -- it's the conversion kits. What they seem to be sayiing is
1. Nobody seems to be submitting kits for EPA approval
2. Approval is probably expensive, because you have to prove that the system will work correctly for a bizillion miles -- and that you will fix it if it doesn't

You can have various types of pollution with anything -- if you burn it wrong. So, somebody needs to prove to the EPA that their kit will work the way that it's supposed to.

I'm guessing that it comes down to $$$. Nobody can figure out how to make enough money selling kits to justify the expense of getting them approved.
And, they'd probably have to be approved separately for each application. And, of course, the auto companies would try to void any warranty on a converted vehicle. (Yes, there's a law, but they'd try).

Just my opinions

ford2go

 

If the engine is not calibrated correctly for the different fuel, the air-fuel mixture and timing will be "off" and emissions will be higher. If the injectors are too small, the O2 sensor and computer physically cannot sufficiently correct the mixture, leading to lean misfire. There is an optimum timing curve that somewhat depends on flame front speed within the cylinder and that varies slightly with different fuels.

Propane conversions that I have seen are very "crude" compared to a stock gasoline injection system.

Jim

 

can we get e85 in arizona, or is it only in the midwest? I've never seen it

 

Here is a site for you to see if one is near you. There are several in Az.
http://www.e85refueling.com/