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E85 & Unleaded fuel mixing???

K8JWT

By K8JWT
in DIY Guides & Reference Library

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K8JWT New Member

K8JWT

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

Green_Monster

Posted
Posted
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

 

 

 

 

If your vehicle is not E85 capable then you cannot run E85 at all. Look inside your gas flap and see if there is a sticker indicating that your vehicle is E85 capable. Alcohol is extremely corrosive and unless you have the necessary upgrades on your engine and fuel delivery system, then you will damage your engine and fuel delivery system. Upgrades to run E85 are usually not recommended unless done at the time the vehicle is manufactured. 10% ethanol in your gasoline is about all your engine can handle and most gas in the U.S. is already mixed with 10% ethanol. Bottom line, if your vehicle was not manufactured to run on E85 then don't put it in your tank.

MustGoFaster Enthusiast

MustGoFaster

Posted
Posted

There's ben alot of talk on other forums about e85 and mixing. the most common ratio I have heard so far with non-e85 vehicles is that people have run 20-30% of nearly a year now with no immediately apparent ill effects to their engines.

 

That being said, those who are mixing have been running Premium as the premix for what it's worth. My boss has been doing that in his truck at work, and so far 80/20 seems to be about a break even point. for the difference in gas mileage e85 has to be about .40 cheaper otherwise it's a wash.

  • 2 weeks later...
blueinterceptor Enthusiast

blueinterceptor

Posted
Posted

There's ben alot of talk on other forums about e85 and mixing. the most common ratio I have heard so far with non-e85 vehicles is that people have run 20-30% of nearly a year now with no immediately apparent ill effects to their engines.

 

here in ny all gasoline has some ethanol in it about 15 percent ethanol but i cannot find e85 anywhere

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