Using E85 Flex Fuel does it require short OCI

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
GM's OLM can probably account for it, especially since they're so big on flex-fuel, moreso than any other automaker. In fact, dexos was specifically designed for E85 protection

I'm sure they could, but whether or not they do is the issue, especially with the model year in question. I'd be digging out the manual and seeing what it says.

Ohle: I've seen many recommendations in writing to lower OCIs with E85. As I've said before, I can't say I can find you any such sludge pictures, I also cannot find any owners manuals in North America telling us to extend OCIs with E85, either. I've only seen to reduce them.

 

[TiredTrucker]

I have had no problem with oil failing to be up to par at 5000 miles when using E85. I think a bit of over caution, while sometimes good, is being manifest here. If the vehicle is completely set up for flex fuel and E85, I don't think it is really all that "harsh". While I don't use E85 all the time, I am known for using various blends frequently, including E15, E20, E30, and E50. All of which are in my neck of the woods. I haven't seen any reason to do anything different than I was doing on E10... basically 5000 mile oil changes.

Of course, each person has to live within their own comfort zone. Oil changes are relatively inexpensive, so if one feels the need to drop it early when using E85, well go ahead and enjoy.

 

[TiredTrucker]

Originally Posted By: splinter
Originally Posted By: TiredTrucker
Sure, mpg's will be lower with E85, but with the lower cost per mile you will be winning big time.

Are you in 'The Tall Corn State' by any chance?
B-I-L is a agricultural economist professor with the Cyclones. He is well aware of the boondoggle subsidies. They've made him and his ilk quite comfy.

E85 definitely does not result in a lower cost per mile in my FF GMC around our 'hood.
I use it because its tailpipe aroma is more pleasant, KR is dramatically reduced, the sexy yellow nozzle is unique and has no evaporation recovery bellows.

OCIs are ~6500 intervals regardless of fuel per OLM.


Well, it does depend on where one lives and the pricing in their area. E85 is very cost effective in my area even with the lower mpg. My 3/4 ton pickup will average about 14 mpg (hauling, gravel roads, rural roads, in town, all of it) on regular gas and about 11 mpg on E85. Regular E10 in my area is roughly $2.30 right now. E85 is about $1.60. So on regular E10, the cost for me is about 16.4 cents a mile. On E85 it would be roughly 14.5 cents a mile. So it is more cost effective with the pricing in my area currently. Things fluctuate. Sometimes the other blends are a better value.

I really don't care about all the conspiracy and other nonsense behind ethanol and whether there is any substance to it or not. I can't do anything about that so I don't care. Some of it is most likely true, but like with most things. those that have an agenda against it tend to go crazy and exaggerate things, use slight of hands twisting of numbers, and obfuscate things. I can only take advantage of the choice in what I buy and I like getting the best value. I'll leave the ethanol conspiracy stuff to those with more time on their hands for such things.

 

[mctmatt]

I guess I should ask as to what exactly should I be looking for in terms of the condition of the oil that might indicate a more frequent OCI or possible issues. Is a UOA the only way to determine and I promise this is my last question but I am only on my third tank of the E85 but on the extended trip once a month I will have to go back to regular fuel which I usually use the 87 octane is there any effect from this type of switching. I am in the state of Texas and just moved down to Austin where my work provides me a the E85 at currently 89 cents a gallon as compared to $2.09 for Regular 87 octane. So that is why I started using it. It is still my choice if I want to go back to Regular octane it is just an extra perk that is offered to me and I don't use my vehicle for work. Seems like I am filling up every two weeks unless I do some weekend activity that I burn more fuel . Most everything is so close by my drives are usually no more than 6 or 8 miles.

 

[TiredTrucker]

Well, a UOA can be done for under $25. If it will ease your conscience, then get a kit and run a sample at the next change and have information to make an informed decision. That would be prudent by any standard.

 

[edhackett]

Originally Posted By: TiredTrucker
Well, a UOA can be done for under $25. If it will ease your conscience, then get a kit and run a sample at the next change and have information to make an informed decision. That would be prudent by any standard.


If you do get a UOA, be sure it includes TBN, as that is where you may see a difference between E10 and E85. Organic acids and alcohols are closely related chemically. It's an easy path from alcohol to acid in the combustion chamber. The increased acid content of the blow-by gasses puts a greater demand on the TBN of your oil, thus the common advice in manuals to reduce the OCI.

Ed

 

[Robster]

Originally Posted By: Garak
I know of no OLMs in North America that are calibrated with the expectation that one is using E85.


My '15 Ram's owners manual states that using E85 will cause the iOLM to count down faster. I'm assuming all the FCA vehicles use the same iOLM.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Robster
Originally Posted By: Garak
I know of no OLMs in North America that are calibrated with the expectation that one is using E85.


My '15 Ram's owners manual states that using E85 will cause the iOLM to count down faster. I'm assuming all the FCA vehicles use the same iOLM.


My 14 RAM does the same. So do our GM service vehicles that are flex fuel...

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Robster
My '15 Ram's owners manual states that using E85 will cause the iOLM to count down faster. I'm assuming all the FCA vehicles use the same iOLM.

Cool, so these are really intelligent then, and count down more quickly, without you having to account for it. Steve, how new are the GM service vehicles?

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Robster
My '15 Ram's owners manual states that using E85 will cause the iOLM to count down faster. I'm assuming all the FCA vehicles use the same iOLM.

Cool, so these are really intelligent then, and count down more quickly, without you having to account for it. Steve, how new are the GM service vehicles?


From an 09 to a 13. Silverados and Express/Savana 3500's. Note that IME the OLM calibrations are different for each powertrain in the GM line up, so I can't comment to the others. These trucks are all V8's. But as long as it is a flex fuel labeled vehicle it should adjust the interval as needed...

 

[Garak]

That's good to know. In any case, for an older vehicle that might not accommodate it, or just uses a fancy mileage counter, it always pays to read the manual. I'm sure it would say if the OEM expected an OCI reduction.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Astro14
On my new Tundra, which is FF, the owner's manual is crystal clear: the oil change interval must be cut in half if E85 is used. It even states the OCI directly. It presumes the use of TGMO.

Yes, I think that's industry standard. I know of no OLMs in North America that are calibrated with the expectation that one is using E85.

Ohle: I know you think that E85 is some divine gift and means exceedingly long OCIs and clean everything and magically generated esters in the sump, but none of that, unfortunately, has manifested.

Ford doesn't recommend a shorter OCI but they do state for the 2013 5.0:
Quote:
Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
Every oil change If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular unleaded fuel.


No idea what that accomplishes.

 

[Garak]

Yes, that's a rather strange recommendation, isn't it?