Wrong gas (e85) in my 1988 Subaru XT6

[mmaria11000]

I filled my 1988 Subaru XT with e85. I have been using premium since then and all the e85 was used up but there are still problems. The car not going over a certain speed limit, changes from day to day (usually 45-55 mps). When I try to go over that speed limit by giving it more gas, the car goes slower. The last time I drove it the car wouldn't go over 15 mph and stalled many times. I barely got it home and it wouldn't start back up.

I have contacted a few auto repair businesses and have received varying responses:
- I should start with replacing the spark plugs (probably fouled)
- Might be frozen because of the higher water content of e85
- Since I already ran a few tanks of premium gas through it since the e85, the e85 is probably not the problem
- Probably need all new injectors, fuel pump, etc.

People are saying a lot of different things, hopefully responses here will help clarify. Thank you for any help you can give.

[RahX]

E85 in non e85 capable vehicles damages MAINLY the fuel system. e85 is VERY corrosive to everything but iron/steel. So, you probably nerfed all the major components of your fuel system I would start with a fuel pump since that was submersed in it and work your way up from there.

[MagicRat]

Good advice. E85 is mostly harmful to rubber/neoprene components, such as O-rings, so its likely some parts are damaged. Realistically, the damage would be limited to the fuel pump, injectors and possibly the flexible portions of the fuel line, such as at the gas tank and the fuel rail area under the hood.
As noted above, start with the fuel pump. Test the fuel pressure. If its low, replace the pump. If the pressure is good, have a look at the injectors.
Also, replace those flexible sections of fuel line, for safety's sake.

[somick]

Originally Posted by RahX

E85 in non e85 capable vehicles damages MAINLY the fuel system. e85 is VERY corrosive to everything but iron/steel. So, you probably nerfed all the major components of your fuel system I would start with a fuel pump since that was submersed in it and work your way up from there.

On my 1992 Loyale the fuel pump is bolted to the crossmember before the passenger side rear wheel. XT is probably the same. So it was not submerged and if it still pumps gas it is still probably good.

There is a specific XT web site, but I do not remember the URL. Visit www.ultimatesubaru.org and go to "Older generation Subarus" You will be able to find the URL there as well as ask your questions.

Good luck,

Sam

[RahX]

Good point, I didn't even think about how the fuel system was on those old Subarus lol. I work on so many new ones it's easy to forget.