E85

[skypants]

I did a forum search for E85 that turned up nothing.

Are there any special considerations regarding oil, OCI/weight ect, when burning E85.

I just had my 2004 WRX tuned to run E85, mainly for HP. I have the capability to switch back to 93 when needed.

Currently running Rotella T6 at 5-8k OCI.

Thanks.

 

[chubbs1]

What is your approx HW/City driving ratio? I would really want to see a used oil analysis @ 5k to see how things are going no matter what.

 

[UNC151]

The owner's manual for my F-150 (it is a flex fuel vehicle) states:

"Every 5,000 miles or 6 months – Change engine oil and replace oil filter." This would be the severe duty schedule (normal for a F-150 is 7,500 miles).

Here is a link FX4 used oil analysis to my used oil analysis (all OCs shown on this report were with Pennzoil Ultra 5w-20). The OC at 16,600 had 4,500 miles of strictly E85 usage and about 3,000 miles worth of towing with more than half of that in 8 degree F weather.

I have not noted much (if any difference) in the attributes of the oil when running E85 versus E10.

Hope this helps.

 

[beanoil]

If you run E85 100% of the time, the oil really doesn't get black. It stays a honey color. My Grand Caravan is on 6000 mile OCI, on either Pennzoil or Valvo conventional.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: skypants
Are there any special considerations regarding oil, OCI/weight ect, when burning E85.

Off the top of my head:

1. Ethanol attracts water, which increases acid formation. Keep your OCIs short. Oil analysis can be very helpful for making sure your OCIs are sane; look for a test package that includes both TBN and TAN, and ideally oxidation and flash point as checks for the TAN.

2. E85's lubricity is terrible. Consider adding a lubricity additive to your fuel when you fill up.

 

[skypants]

My trips are mostly city driving, short trips, with the occasional, 60 mile highway round trip, to the inlaws.

My first oil change was with about 60% E85 usage, included a trip to a tuner and 2 hours on the dyno tuning for 93 and e85. Then a road trip of 3000 miles to CA, burning E85 as far as i could. When I got to CA and changed the oil, it had a very distinct smell, totally different than any other oil change I have done.

I have about 4k on the oil now, all highway, but I drove it hard in the mountains on my way home from CA. Pretty sure the car was over weight with my roof top cargo box, [censored] in the trunk, and my two boys. I have since switched back to 93 the last 3 tanks due to the price of 93 being less than a 20% difference. SO i would say about 50/50 93 and E85 on this OC.

I think i will keep it near 5k on the OCI. Which is about a once a year oil change for me normally.

 

[TurboTravis]

I'll be posting a used oil analysis from my Evo soon, E85, 800HP, 550 miles on Vr1 20w50

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: skypants
Are there any special considerations regarding oil, OCI/weight ect, when burning E85.

Off the top of my head:

1. Ethanol attracts water, which increases acid formation. Keep your OCIs short. Oil analysis can be very helpful for making sure your OCIs are sane; look for a test package that includes both TBN and TAN, and ideally oxidation and flash point as checks for the TAN.

2. E85's lubricity is terrible. Consider adding a lubricity additive to your fuel when you fill up.


The fuel cap on my E85 capable car specifically says not to use any additives with E85.

 

[TurboTravis]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: skypants
Are there any special considerations regarding oil, OCI/weight ect, when burning E85.

Off the top of my head:

1. Ethanol attracts water, which increases acid formation. Keep your OCIs short. Oil analysis can be very helpful for making sure your OCIs are sane; look for a test package that includes both TBN and TAN, and ideally oxidation and flash point as checks for the TAN.

2. E85's lubricity is terrible. Consider adding a lubricity additive to your fuel when you fill up.


The fuel cap on my E85 capable car specifically says not to use any additives with E85.



Yep, more myths. No need for additives.

 

[mechtech2]

Even E10 is not so hot for fuel pumps [compared to pure gasoline]. E85 is much worse.
So some MMO or TCw3 2 stroke oil in the fuel [don't overdose] is a good idea.
And many manuals say to change the oil more often when using E85.

 

[skypants]

Fuel pumps are cheap and easy to change, Ill save the $$ not wasted on additives for another $70 walbro. E98 has little or no lube and burns pumps quickly, the 15% gas goes a long way towards lubing the pump. i have no doubt the fuel pump in a non ffv is the same as a ffv.

I was more concerned about my oiling requirements, if gas prices spike i will run e85 exclusively and just do my oil changes at 5k miles.

Thanks for the replies.