Free Automotive Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
How Does it Work /
Ethanol e85
How E85 Ethanol Flex Fuel Works
Designed as an alcohol fuel mixture this form of fuel is different from most
others. E85 contains a much higher percentage of denatured fuel ethanol, hydrocarbon,
and even regular gasoline. As the name implies the solution contains as much as
85% of the fuel ethanol. One major drawback to E85 is the engine must be modified
in order to actually handle running this fuel, as the popularity increases for E85
so do the number of gas stations offering the mixture.
E85 Fuel Distilling Process
Recent statistics have estimated that in the United States alone there are approximately
800 gas stations that are selling the E85 ethanol to the public. However, other
countries in North America such as Canada are lacking in the expanded usage with
only one Canadian station selling the fuel to the public. Other countries such as
Sweden and various other European countries have already widely embraced the usage.
Engines are designed to handle any form of fuel ranging from standard gasoline to
85% ethanol. In order to handle the conversion there are several adjustments that
must be made including changes to the fuel lines, the fuel pump and the rest of
the fuel system.
Common Problems and Solutions
The biggest problem and concern that E85 ethanol creates is the fact that in
a world where gas mileage is very important it generates approximately 25% fewer
miles per gallon than traditional fuel. While many vehicles are looking for ways
to break 30 MPG effectively and even as much as 60 MPG when using hybrid vehicles
this can seem like a huge step backwards.
However, while E85 ethanol fuel provides fewer miles per gallon it is cheaper
per gallon by approximately 10% around the world. As research continues, it is estimated
that the new fuel mixture will lower the price per gallon to make it much more competitive
with standard gasoline's. However, at this point because of the dramatic loss in
mileage combined with only a small reduction in price it is more expensive to use
E85 ethanol on a per mile basis.
Maintenance
Overall, E85 ethanol has no special considerations necessary for extra maintenance.
As you would need to
change a fuel filter on a standard gasoline vehicle it is still required on
a flex fuel vehicle. Never allow a mechanic shop that is not inexperienced in E85
ethanol systems to service on your vehicle. There are significant differences in
the E85 fuel system from a conventional fuel system that could cause potential problems.
Keeping your E85 ethanol flex fuel vehicle running in top condition is as important
as a conventional fuel vehicle.
Service Description for E85
How Does it Work
/ Ethanol e85
Check Manufacturer Specific Ethanol
e85 Questions and Answers
Related Subjects
Got a Car Repair Question
we will answer it for FREE!
GET A
CAR REPAIR MANUAL. Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information and other available updates and factory bulletins.
| 
