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Originally Posted by Aubs
E85 is a 85% Ethanol/15% Gasolene mix. What you see is E10 or 10% Ethanol, which is perfectly acceptable to your engine. It might lower your economy slightly, but it burns cleaner. I think I used up to E15 in our H3 on a trip out West, and obviously there are no ill-effects. E85 is too rich however. I suspect it's like a 95 octane equivalent, since most E10 mixes I've seen are only 89.
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Sorry, no.
The vehicles that can utilize E85 are an either/or usage. You can use EITHER E85 (85/15 Ethanol/Gasoline) OR Unleaded gasoline. Not a blend of the two. The misstatement above is that E85 makes the mixture too rich, not true, in actuallity, Ethanol was introduced to OXYDIZE the gasoline in high density areas, effectively LEANING the fuel. Alchohol has less BTU's per Kg than gasoline and is not like an octane booster either. It's like adding bread crumbs to meatloaf, increases the volume, not the substance.
We have had 3 E85 vehicles in for service due to being in "limp mode", as the customers were not adequately informed on the use of E85. You MUST run your tank down to near empty before changing from E85 or gasoline. The system cannot currently sense the change in the fuel density on the fly if the fuel is not mixed properly, as in when you go to fill up.
These are the effects of the growing pains we are going to encounter while we move away from a petroleum economy. The sooner the better, IMO.
Dave