If using E85 fuel= special motor oil?

[thinshavings]

I have a 2000 dodge grand caravan with the flex fuel 3.3 v6.
The owners manual says to use a "special" mopar oil if using E85. What is the special oil? A synthetic

 

[Timothy Ferguson]

My 2000 Ranger manual says that I have to use a Flex Fuel 10w30 motor oil. Ford used to make it and when I would always go to the dealer to buy it no one knew what I was talking about. Typical Ford anyways one day I was at the dealer for some reason or another I shot the question out about this oil and service department manager showed me a TSB on that it is no longer required to use a special motor oil when using E85 so Ford nolonger makes the oil. So know I use Mobil 1. I hope you are not of the same creek I was on tring to find out. I can tell you that the dealer is going to be no help. And that they do not make a special E85 motor oil sold on the streets.

 

[Big Jim]

That's very possible. Special oil was needed for M85, but then methonol is more agressive than ethanol.

 

[JHZR2]

I believe the reason for the special motor oil is due to the potential for more acids forming during combustion...

this can be resolved by usng a good high TBN oil, like the 5w30 diesel oil from amsoil, or any other good high tbn oil that shows good tbn retention.

IMO...

JMH

 

[The Critic]

It's possible that E85 fuels may have a higher flashpoint, and even during longer trips, it is more difficult for accumulated fuel dilution (in the crankcase) to burn off, thus leaving greater amounts of fuel in the engine oil, and shortening the service life of the oil and its ability to protect.

Thus, this makes sense for automakers to recommend a synthetic engine oil or shorter intervals.

Fwiw, Ford currently recommends a 3-mo/3000 mi service interval for all 2006 model year vehicles that run E85 for > 50% of the time.

 

[LC]

Check out: http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003223#000000
Use a good snyblend or Syn Oil and you will be fine. FP60 helps a lot with fuel mileage and helps keep the valve guides lubed when using E85.
I have not seen any adverse effects on engine oil by using E85.

 

[blupupher]

The requirement was for a Mopar only available oil (a synthetic).
It has now been removed, and you can use any oil you want.

Talked about in this LINK.