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E85 use...some questions...

sdeeter19555

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sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
Posted

I can't find some of the older threads, so figured I would ask...I know some of you have been running it a lot longer than I have.

 

Running flex fuel, do you need to run anything like injector cleaner since it is already cleaner burning than gasoline?

 

If fed a steady diet of flex fuel, will old deposits be cleaned?

 

If fed a steady diet of flex fuel, is there any reason to change oil sooner because of the added moisture? I have noted the oil is staying "cleaner" for longer periods of time?

 

And finally, is there any downside to running flex fuel? I know these modern fuel systems are supposedly geared to it, but is there any downside? I burn through about 25 gallons a week. I ask because I read an older thread that indicated it was still giving a problem in the 2017s?

 

Steve

2012 2500hd 6.0l

 

 

Formulabruce Enthusiast

Formulabruce

Posted
Posted

 Loss of fuel economy ~vs~  10% alcohol is around 30% LOSS !!

 You can see this on a 1/2 ton truck window sticker where they show the 'Cruising range" on a tank of fuel.

 Your truck will run hotter as the alcohol has more calories and octane, but less density.

  Your truck will consume more fuel to do the same job as regular gasoline.

swathdiver Senior Enthusiast

swathdiver

Posted
Posted

My engine temperatures are no different.  Use of additives with E85 is not recommended.  It's clean enough, it's like running high octane race gas.  The engine idles smoother, makes more power and it just loves it.  You'll see a difference in the first tank but by the third it'll drive noticeably different/better.

 

Yes, using E85 results in lower gas mileage but it costs less, figure out how many cents per mile.  Between 93 and E85, the only two fuels I run, there difference is but a few cents in favor of E85 most of the time as prices bounce around.

 

If E85 did keep the oil cleaner, I'd still change it at 5k miles.  At 7500 the truck has been sluggish for a while.  The only downside is convenience, you have to fill up more often and may have to go out of your way to get it.  When we take long trips, I convert over to 93 for the longer range.  When resetting fuel trims, you need to have an alcohol content of 10% or less; in the GMT900s anyway. 

sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

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  • Author
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I've been running it for a couple months now, so I see the mileage and drivability changes.

Good to know about the additives, I couldn't really find anything either way.

The reason I ask about the oil is that e85 puts so much more water in the crankcase, as evident by the accumulation in the catch can. Should it be changed more frequently than the OLM, or is getting the oil to 200F enough to keep the extra moisture boiled off?

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

Black02Silverado Senior Enthusiast

Black02Silverado

Posted
Posted

You will be fine following the OLM.  It is trying to go extended drains that you should be taking a sample and sending it off to make sure all is well. 

 

I have been running E85 in my non flex fuel 02 silverado with no issues and going as high as 10k on oil changes.

 

swathdiver Senior Enthusiast

swathdiver

Posted
Posted

I've had no water in my crankcase and do not have a catch can.  Remote starts are used to bring motor up to temperature and try not to make short hops of less than a couple of miles for the most part.  Another month or so the next oil change will be due and will check again for water.

sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm not seeing evidence of water (milkshake oil, goop under fill cap, etc.), but I also typically run 50 miles at a stretch so it gets plenty warm. I do however see a drastic increase in the water in my catch can, probably draining three times as often versus gasoline, same weather conditions.

The oil is staying "cleaner" for a longer period compared to the same interval as gasoline...just an observation, not based on UOA.

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

davester Senior Enthusiast

davester

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, swathdiver said:

I've had no oil in my crankcase and do not have a catch can.  Remote starts are used to bring motor up to temperature and try not to make short hops of less than a couple of miles for the most part.  Another month or so the next oil change will be due and will check again for water.

Not sure your engine will last a month with no oil in the crankcase.

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