E-85 instead of Fuel System cleaner?
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Don't switch back and forth between E-85 and gasoline on back to back tanks. It takes the alcohol sensor and PCM a long time to adjust to E-85. However, if you wanted to run E-85 for say... a month and then switch back to gasoline you could. I would almost advise doing it in stages:
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
I wouldn't bother trying E-85. Ethanol is an OK crud cutter but a dedicated fuel system cleaner with one of the amines, preferably Poly Ether Amine (P.E.A.) would do a much better job at removing valve, injector and piston top deposits. I like Gumout All-in-one or Gumout One-and-done for cleaning.
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Originally Posted By: 14Accent
Don't switch back and forth between E-85 and gasoline on back to back tanks. It takes the alcohol sensor and PCM a long time to adjust to E-85. However, if you wanted to run E-85 for say... a month and then switch back to gasoline you could. I would almost advise doing it in stages:
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
Would resetting the ECM (via battery disconnect) alleviate the need to do what you've recommended? The ECM should clear learned tables and look to learn and repopulate quickly.
Even if the ECM isn't reset, the AFR will go wonky quickly and the ECM is likely designed to recognize the cause and adjust, right?
Don't switch back and forth between E-85 and gasoline on back to back tanks. It takes the alcohol sensor and PCM a long time to adjust to E-85. However, if you wanted to run E-85 for say... a month and then switch back to gasoline you could. I would almost advise doing it in stages:
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
Would resetting the ECM (via battery disconnect) alleviate the need to do what you've recommended? The ECM should clear learned tables and look to learn and repopulate quickly.
Even if the ECM isn't reset, the AFR will go wonky quickly and the ECM is likely designed to recognize the cause and adjust, right?
I wouldn't do it unless you think you have some water in tank. The alcohol should absorb the water.
Don't think there is an upside to E85, environmentally or economically.
Don't think there is an upside to E85, environmentally or economically.
Ignore the E85 haters who have been thoroughly programmed by big petro to spout hearsay. They always chime in.
Ethanol is a stupendous solvent for deposits. It also absorbs water from the fuel tank. If your car is late model it can handle the occasional dose. Unsealed fuel systems (pre EFI) get problems with corrosion. New cars are essentially hermetically sealed.
It's a $2/gal fuel that performs like 100+ octane in high heat applications.
It stopped uncle Sam from having to pay billions to farmers in subsidies.
Corn is not your food supply. In 2017 corn is genetically modified garbage. If you're putting it in your body, no wonder type II diabetes is the national pastime.
Ethanol is a stupendous solvent for deposits. It also absorbs water from the fuel tank. If your car is late model it can handle the occasional dose. Unsealed fuel systems (pre EFI) get problems with corrosion. New cars are essentially hermetically sealed.
It's a $2/gal fuel that performs like 100+ octane in high heat applications.
It stopped uncle Sam from having to pay billions to farmers in subsidies.
Corn is not your food supply. In 2017 corn is genetically modified garbage. If you're putting it in your body, no wonder type II diabetes is the national pastime.
Originally Posted By: 14Accent
Don't switch back and forth between E-85 and gasoline on back to back tanks. It takes the alcohol sensor and PCM a long time to adjust to E-85. However, if you wanted to run E-85 for say... a month and then switch back to gasoline you could. I would almost advise doing it in stages:
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
The fixed that issue a long time ago and stopped using alcohol sensors over 10 years ago. Most ffv I have seen say it only takes about 10 miles of driving to adjust back to the optimum fuel trim. I have never had an issue switching back and forth and have never had a fuel system issue.
Don't switch back and forth between E-85 and gasoline on back to back tanks. It takes the alcohol sensor and PCM a long time to adjust to E-85. However, if you wanted to run E-85 for say... a month and then switch back to gasoline you could. I would almost advise doing it in stages:
Run tank to 1/2, top off with E-85. Repeat. Then do the same in reverse when switching back.
The fixed that issue a long time ago and stopped using alcohol sensors over 10 years ago. Most ffv I have seen say it only takes about 10 miles of driving to adjust back to the optimum fuel trim. I have never had an issue switching back and forth and have never had a fuel system issue.
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