Who's currently running E85?

TornadoLandTitan · 07-25-2006, 06:03 AM

I know some members on here have tried E85, but I was curious who's currently using it? I have a 2006 LE CC, and have been running it since the first tankful (about 2000 miles). Runs nice and no starting problems even though it's been 110 degrees here. Cost is only about 5% less than 87 octane, but I usually run at least midgrade so that closes the gap some. Plus Kansas is giving a $750 tax rebate for using E85, so for now I'm going to keep using it.

**Carbeaux** · 07-25-2006, 06:11 AM

Non one in Austin carries it yet, so I'm not. We don't get a rebate here, so given that it's about the same price with a decrease in fuel economy, I probably won't use it. We'll see....

Chris

**bbomar** · 07-25-2006, 06:26 AM

I would be running, as it is usually cheaper than unleaded. But, the staion here that carries it, is out, and said the current price is $3.50 a gallon. Supply and Demand!!

goboilers · 07-25-2006, 06:34 AM

It's been to expensive around here. What kind of mileage have you been getting over the past 2000 miles?

Wiscdave · 07-25-2006, 06:47 AM

Its proven to only be about 70% as efficient as gas, so unless is 30% less your losing money.

UWSkier · 07-25-2006, 06:51 AM

It is much less prone to detonation, but it has a much lower specific energy. Only way to get any economy out of E85 is to crank the compression ratio way up. Until we have engines with variable compression ratios, E85-capable engines will always get poor mileage burning corn...

TornadoLandTitan · 07-25-2006, 07:10 AM

I get about 12 MPG in a mix of highway and city driving. Not spectacular, but I don't have the lightest foot.

The owners manual suggests that you should use a "special" motor oil. I don't recall the exact wording. Anyone know any details on this? I've done google searches and haven't found any oil recommended for E85 buring vehicles.

**bbomar** · 07-25-2006, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboilers

It's been to expensive around here. What kind of mileage have you been getting over the past 2000 miles?

I only lost 1-3 mpg! Not bad when it was .30 less per gallon than reg. Unleaded.

MO Titan · 07-25-2006, 07:25 AM

I woudl use it......... if I had an 05 and could find it any where.

ttugrad95 · 07-25-2006, 10:02 AM

Its available here but I would have to go way out of my way to get it. Have no idea what the cost is.
The manual basically says to only use 5w-30 if you run E85 (instead of being able to run 10w-30 or 10w-40 if desired). It also says to use an oil that is certified for flex fuel engines. Don't know what those are.

**bbomar** · 07-25-2006, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttugrad95

It also says to use an oil that is certified for flex fuel engines. Don't know what those are.

I think any syn oil will do the job.

ttugrad95 · 07-25-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbomar

I think any syn oil will do the job.

Not necessarily. The best I can tell is that FFV compativle motor oil has some kind of acid neutralizer in case the ethanol gets into the crank case. I can't find any information on the websites of the popular oils that indicate they are FFV compatible. Of course each auto manufacturer that requires special oil makes one. Ford has stopped requiring special motor oils.

I did find this which was interesting. I guess it explains why most flex fuel vehicles are trucks.

The dual-fuel loophole allows manufacturers to earn credits towards meeting federal fuel economy standards by producing vehicles that are able to run on both petroleum and an alternative fuel, even if they never actually use the alternative fuel. As a result, automakers can sell fleets of vehicles that fall short of federal fuel economy targets. In 2004, this loophole was already increasing U.S. oil dependence by 80,000 barrels per day.

**Carbeaux** · 07-25-2006, 07:46 PM

Not to hijack the thread, but my dealer told me to run 5w-30 regardless?

Rodzilla · 07-25-2006, 08:57 PM

Not worth it for me.

It is my understanding that producing the "E" part of E-85 is pretty cheap and easy. So why isn't the cost more like 15% of straight gas (I know, I know) but realistically if Ethanol is cheap/easy then I think 1/2 the price of gas is realisitic...no?

The one station that has it near me (still out of the way) has it for .05 cents less a gallon than low grade. So say on average, a 20 gallon fill up saves me ONE FREAKING DOLLAR!!

But wait, it gets better... on average E-85 gets about 3MPG LESS than straight petrol.

So instead of 14 MPG, I now get 11 MPG (But I save a buck!)

I ain't no rocket scientist but I think I see some issues...

fpoitra · 07-25-2006, 09:01 PM

I ran about 3 or 4 tanks of E-85. It is about 60 to 70 cents cheaper here in ND so when you calculate in the loss in mileage, it about evens out. I did notice quite a difference in mileage (decrease) but an increase in power. To me it's not only about the price and mileage, but also not having to depend on foreign countries for oil and using a product that is renewable and made in the good ole USA!!