Fuel Dilution and E85
- Thread starter Truck-Guy
- Start date
Flex fuel engine? I would think the OLM would compensate for the higher alcohol content in the fuel.
With a tune and ethanol I would be changing at 5k intervals max. Port injected EJs on ethanol I did 3k. A UOA would give you the ability to stretch it further, but you aren't looking for extended drain.
Correct, flex fuel engine. The oil life monitor does not appear to be connected to the O2 sensors which adjust mapping for flex fuel.
I think I’m going to try 3k for the first UOA.
Pull in-service sample when you get to a set mileage (say 5k) and send it to a lab with quick turnaround and that uses gas chromatography to determine fuel content. Then, based on the results of how the oil itself is doing (presence of contaminants, fuel >5%, iron ppm >150, TBN <2.0, or oil is out of grade on the low side) decide whether to drain or continue on. Based on how much “cushion” is left on those condemnation points, then pick your next sample mileage. Some results may have you try another 5k on top of the first one; other results may be 2k or so. This way you can find out where the “sweet” spot is.
FWIW, I ran my ‘19 F150 3.5EB on E30 for most of the 14.4k miles in my last sample, and the oil I used still had plenty of TBN and all other metrics were OK. I ended up draining it at 15.9k because the oil had thickened into a 40 grade.
ethanol contains oxygen, so an oxidation value of the UOA would reveal elevated ethanol content in the oil.
So long as you're not short tripping it, no need to change the interval. Ethanol boils at 174°F.
Is it Port or DI fueled, also how much do you trust your tuner.
And what is the stock OCI range.
And what is the stock OCI range.
Nope. Not a consideration in the OLM algorithm.
I do have a decent amount of short trips