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Towing on E85, can't recommend

Brian S.

By Brian S.
in Engines & Drivetrain

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KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

There is something else going on there, I can show 25MPG on E85 on a 25 mile average. Ive got 18 MPG on the highway on E85, on the same stretch with his set up I would get about 14 to 16. On the same area Ive got 22 on 93 gas. You will get the same reduction on gas as E85 pulling a load, a little more with E85 of course, Ill take the extra power.

Crooks Enthusiast

Crooks

Posted
Posted

My truck is a 5.3. When it was stock the best was 23mpg. Bigger tires, leveled, on e10 87 or 93 I never had over 21.4 best mpg on DIC. Recently took the splitter off front and I am trying e85 now. I didnt use tow haul at all.

Jon A Senior Enthusiast

Jon A

Posted
Posted

Even though I know the temps I'm getting (205-210) are well below the synthetic fluid's capability, I'm old school and have a hard time getting past the "no external cooler" on a truck.

 

It does have an external transmission cooler. It's just not obvious and easy to see--trace the lines and you'll find it.

redwngr Senior Enthusiast

redwngr

Posted
Posted

I believe the 5.3 was the only one of the 3 engines to 'adapt' is programmed power level to E85.

 

(flex fuel capable, doesn't mean it changes hp/torque level, only that it can be run on up to e85)

Brian S. Enthusiast

Brian S.

Posted
  • Author
Posted

that 8mpg makes me cringe!

 

A person wouldn't want to let the tank get too low with that would they?

 

"Triple AAA? The gauge said I had a quarter tank an it was fifty miles to the next town, so you can find me two miles outside of Podunk.OK by the side of the road...."

bigsapper Enthusiast

bigsapper

Posted
Posted

 

A person wouldn't want to let the tank get too low with that would they?

 

"Triple AAA? The gauge said I had a quarter tank an it was fifty miles to the next town, so you can find me two miles outside of Podunk.OK by the side of the road...."

Lol. Had just that thought today on a road trip as I got down to a quarter tank. Started looking for the first pump I could find. [emoji2]

Crooks Enthusiast

Crooks

Posted
Posted

I got my test tube off ebay for $10. The E85 from my "local" pump tested out to be about E75. The E85 pump has a minimum 51% sticker on it. I am afraid the quality will get worse over the winter. This might be last tank for awhile.

bigsapper Enthusiast

bigsapper

Posted
Posted

It's a behaviour of direct injection. At least I've read (here I believe) that's what has been told to owners that have taken their trucks in for this as a warranty claim.

Jennabear Senior Enthusiast

Jennabear

Posted
Posted

Also, when changing octanes (ie. E85 to 93 and vice versa) be sure to run at least 10 miles post fill up to allow for the computer to compensate. Otherwise, MPGs will really go to crap and your system will be out of sorts. These vehicles do not have alcohol sensors like the earlier years.

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