E-85 Compatability

[K8JWT]

Was looking into the E-85 ability of my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC but it isn't listed at the GM website. 2001,2002 GSM Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC is listed as well as information that if I have a certain letter in my VIN I can use E-85, but I don't have it.

 

My idea/question is how much Ethanol can my non-E85 engine handle without damage? As I have a E85 retailer only 1 mile from my house and was wondering about mixing regular unleaded with E85 to lower the ethanol content so as to not damage my engine.

 

Thaks for any advise,

J.W.Tennant

[Green_Monster]

See your other posting on this subject.

[dewfpo]

Was looking into the E-85 ability of my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC but it isn't listed at the GM website. 2001,2002 GSM Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC is listed as well as information that if I have a certain letter in my VIN I can use E-85, but I don't have it.

 

My idea/question is how much Ethanol can my non-E85 engine handle without damage? As I have a E85 retailer only 1 mile from my house and was wondering about mixing regular unleaded with E85 to lower the ethanol content so as to not damage my engine.

 

Thaks for any advise,

J.W.Tennant

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

If your engine is not flex fuel capable, 10% ethanol is the max. that you can safely run in your engine.

 

DEWFPO

[RaysZ71]

Was looking into the E-85 ability of my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC but it isn't listed at the GM website. 2001,2002 GSM Sonoma 4.3L VORTEC is listed as well as information that if I have a certain letter in my VIN I can use E-85, but I don't have it.

 

My idea/question is how much Ethanol can my non-E85 engine handle without damage? As I have a E85 retailer only 1 mile from my house and was wondering about mixing regular unleaded with E85 to lower the ethanol content so as to not damage my engine.

 

Thaks for any advise,

J.W.Tennant

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

You could blend E85 and reg gas. The University of Minnesota has tested this. Non flex fuel OBDII vehicals can handle about 30% ethanol. With no signs of damage to the engine or fuel system. Anything over 50% will normally set off a SES light because the computer can not compensate any farther.

 

Mnnesota will be using E20 in a few years, thats why the U of M is testing this.

 

I have run 25% in a 99 suburban with no problems, over 30% and the mileage really suffers. My Silverado can handle upto 45% and the gas mileage does not change.

 

Since your 4.3 is similar to my 350, I would not run anything above 25% ethanol.

 

I would recommend you check out

http://e85forum.com/index.php

 

They have alot of usefull info there.

[Green_Monster]

If you run to high of a percentage ethanol, you will damage your fuel lines. Alcohol is very corrosive and will eat at your fuel system over time. It will not be apparent right away. Fuel lines need to be lined with special materials to withstand the abuse from the alcohol. 10% is all you should run, otherwise you are risking damage down the road.

[OnyxMAX]

if you don't have then vin then NO