E85 Compatability?

[Teal95Jimmy]

With all this hype about using ethanol blended fuels and fuel prices going through the roof, i was woundering what would it take to make a 95 Jimmy with Vortec run on E85. I know from the factory it will run on 10% ethanol. Is it just simple hoses or is it a complete overhaul?

[rental blazer]

Originally Posted by Teal95Jimmy

With all this hype about using ethanol blended fuels and fuel prices going through the roof, i was woundering what would it take to make a 95 Jimmy with Vortec run on E85. I know from the factory it will run on 10% ethanol. Is it just simple hoses or is it a complete overhaul?

you know i wonder the same thing since they sell e85 near here for cheaper then gas...........

[ZL1power69]

Originally Posted by rental blazer

you know i wonder the same thing since they sell e85 near here for cheaper then gas...........

yea but what u don't realize is that u get a significant drop in engine performance and mpg. Even though e-85 is cheaper per gallon, it takes 1/3 more of it to go the same distance as gas so this equals higher annual fuel costs. heres an example;
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byfueltype.htm

[blazes9395]

Yes I agree that the E85 fuel still needs improvement, but rest assured, its being studied intensly as we speak, and is being continually improved. With gas prices high, a lot of effort is being put of getting the type of fuel to work with current car technology.

[534BC]

Running a tank of e_85 in most any car will be fine as long as it don't set for long periods. (Just for testing mpg of course) Just fill back up with regular gas when done. I wouldn't do it on a casual driver, but a everday driver will not hurt. Same with seasonal equipment (do not use ethanol blend of any %)

[Ultrashock]

Originally Posted by 534BC

Running a tank of e_85 in most any car will be fine as long as it don't set for long periods. (Just for testing mpg of course) Just fill back up with regular gas when done. I wouldn't do it on a casual driver, but a everday driver will not hurt. Same with seasonal equipment (do not use ethanol blend of any %)

I still would not try it if you car is not meant to run on E85, thats pretty much asking for trouble. Since the price is higher than gas right now, I would stick to gas. Dont risk damaging your car by putting something in it that its not supposed to run on. Ethanol is corrosive and a car that is not meant to run on it will most likely have problems. Some gas stations already mix some ethanol in their gas anyway

[534BC]

What kind of problems or trouble will occur?

[Ultrashock]

heres from the article im reading:

What are the differences in an FFV compared to a regular gasoline-only model? Are different parts used?

There is only one major additional part that is included on an FFV—the fuel sensor that detects the ethanol/gasoline ratio. A number of other parts on the FFV’s fuel delivery system are modified so that they are ethanol compatible. The fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, computer system, anti-siphon device and dashboard gauges have been modified slightly. Alcohols are corrosive. Therefore, any part that comes in contact with the fuel has been upgraded to be tolerant to alcohol. Normally, these parts include a stainless steel fuel tank and Teflon lined fuel hoses.

Corrosion = bad

[Teal95Jimmy]

I always thought that the alcohol in the gas or whatever you're burning isnt corrosive, its the fact that alcohol holds and attracts water which contributes to that problem

[tbrdlvr88]

Originally Posted by Teal95Jimmy

I always thought that the alcohol in the gas or whatever you're burning isnt corrosive, its the fact that alcohol holds and attracts water which contributes to that problem

The alcohol will mix with water in your tank and allow it to pass harmlessly through the fuel system leaving you with a drier fuel system. As for the "harm" that ethanol does to engines and fuel systems. There is a very informative video on youtube titled "E85 Ethanol Does not harm Non-FlexFueled Engines". There are low cost alternatives to buying a new FFV. I converted mine with an easy to install kit from E85andyou.com

[Serge PETIT]

As you know, in France we have same problem than you with the gasoline price (1.8$ per liter in Paris).
With my 2000 Blazer 4,3 Vin W i am running since 3 months with a 50% 95 octane gazoline and 50% E85 mix.
MPG has decreased by 7%, a bit more power and no SES light.
The only thing i plan to protect the engine is to add in the tank the lubricant (Flashlub) used for LPG engines.
When I have tested step per step the % of the mix i have lighted the SES with 60% of E85.
Hope my experience will help.
Serge.

[herkyhawki]

All engines that burn gasoline will run on E85.
The engine manufacturer (by Law) can not tell you it will run on E85,unless they have spent millions to certify the emissions on the E85.
Prolonged use on a vehicle not designed for E85 may cause corrosion of some fuel system components. You should have no problems running one or two tanks of E85, especially if you don't leave it sit for weeks at a time.