Rajan Wilcox
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, with the former comprising up to 85% of the mixture. Ethanol is a known solvent, and its presence in E85 has sparked debates about its effects on fuel injectors. Some people believe that E85 can clean injectors, while others argue that it can damage them over time. This has led to discussions about the use of fuel injector cleaners with E85 and whether it is necessary or even possible.
Using fuel injector cleaner with E85
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for fuel injector cleaner with E85 | Some users claim that E85 can be used as a fuel injector cleaner and that it does not eat rubber or cause problems with the fuel system. However, others argue that it can cause corrosion and damage to fuel system components. |
| Recommended fuel injector cleaners | Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus, Lucas E85 Treatment, Lucas Oil's Ethanol Treatment |
| Frequency of use | It is recommended to use a fuel injector cleaner every oil change or 4,000 miles. |
| Compatibility | Fuel injector cleaners are compatible with gasoline engines, including turbo, direct inject, and hybrid. |
| Treat rate | A 5.25 fl. oz. bottle treats up to 15 gallons of gasoline. |
| User experiences | Some users have tried various injector cleaners but found that the results did not last. Others have found that using a blend of E85 and regular gasoline improved throttle response, idle, and fuel economy. |
| Ethanol characteristics | Ethanol is a dry fuel with poor lubrication characteristics, which can lead to increased wear on engine components. It is also a strong solvent, which can keep injectors clean. |
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol's effect on fuel injectors
Ethanol, a common component of modern gasoline, has been known to cause issues with fuel injectors. While it is an effective solvent, degreaser, and cleaner that can help remove varnish, gum, and sludge deposits from fuel systems, it can also lead to problems if not properly managed.
One of the main issues with ethanol is its ability to attract and absorb water moisture due to its hygroscopic nature. This can result in phase separation, where the ethanol-gasoline blend absorbs too much water, causing the ethanol to separate from the gasoline and leading to a loss of fuel quality. Additionally, ethanol's affinity for water adds to its corrosive nature, particularly when it comes in contact with steel or iron alloys. This can result in the corrosion of fuel system components, including fuel injectors.
Another concern with ethanol is its ability to dissolve rubber and plastic parts in older fuel distribution systems, particularly those built before 2001. The dissolved components can show up as a black sticky resin in fuel injectors, valves, and other engine areas, potentially causing performance issues. Ethanol can also interact with deposits in the fuel tank, such as varnish and sludge, and lift them into the fuel, where they can be carried to the fuel injectors and cause blockages.
To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to use gasoline with a healthy dose of detergent, which can help counteract the effects of ethanol. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of fuel injectors are important to ensure proper combustion and engine performance. While some sources suggest that ethanol's cleaning properties can help keep injectors clean, others caution that it can lead to a build-up of dissolved deposits, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
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Fuel injector cleaning frequency
Fuel injectors pressurize and pump fuel through an electronically controlled opening that sprays the fuel into the cylinder, allowing the fuel to burn more evenly and efficiently. Over time, carbon deposits are left behind, creating a layer of build-up on the fuel injectors. This build-up can cause the car to underperform, and so it is recommended to clean the fuel system regularly.
The frequency of fuel injector cleaning depends on various factors, including the type of fuel, the age and condition of the vehicle, and the driving conditions. Most mechanics recommend cleaning fuel injectors every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. However, some people suggest using a fuel injector cleaner with every oil change or even with every gas refill. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the injectors every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for those who drive less frequently and let their cars sit for extended periods.
For those using E85 fuel, there are specific injector cleaners designed for this type of fuel, such as Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus and Lucas E85 Treatment. Some people who use E85 fuel have reported that the injectors stay clean and never need to be cleaned unless there is an issue with the engine. However, others have suggested that there may be "gunk" in E85 fuel that can build up in the fuel system over time. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and seek advice from trusted mechanics or automotive experts to determine the appropriate cleaning frequency for your specific vehicle and fuel type.
It is important to note that regular maintenance and cleaning of fuel injectors can help improve the performance and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.
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Fuel injector cleaner products
Using fuel injector cleaner products is a great way to maintain your vehicle's fuel system and improve its performance. While some people suggest that E85 fuel itself can cause issues due to "gunk" or the ethanol eating away at certain components, others argue that modern fuel injectors will stay clean without the need for regular cleaning. However, for those who want to take extra care of their vehicles, here are some of the best fuel injector cleaner products available:
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus
This product is highly regarded by many vehicle owners. It can be used with any fuel type and is known for its effectiveness in fixing fuel level sensor issues. It is recommended to use a 12oz bottle before every oil change or whenever it is on sale.
Lucas E85 Treatment
Lucas E85 Treatment is specifically designed for E85 fuel and is said to work wonders. It comes in a green bottle and can be used each time you fill up your vehicle with E85 fuel.
Redline Fuel System Cleaner
Redline Fuel System Cleaner is known for having the highest percentage of Polyether Amine (PEA), which is an effective ingredient for cleaning injectors and addressing carbon buildup. It is widely available on Amazon and in many stores.
Amsoil Pi
Amsoil Pi is another good option for a fuel system cleaner. It contains a significant amount of PEA and is often preferred over other products due to its effectiveness and affordability.
BG 44K
BG 44K is a well-known brand in the world of fuel injector cleaners. Their products are within a similar price range and effectiveness as other reputable brands. BG 44K Platinum is one of their premium offerings.
Seafoam
Seafoam is a popular choice for those who want to prevent fuel-related issues in their seasonal vehicles, such as sleds, boats, and ATVs. It is available at NAPA and can be purchased by the case for a good price.
Iso Heet
Iso Heet is another injector cleaner that can be used regularly to maintain fuel injectors and prevent moisture/water buildup in the fuel tank. It is a good option for preventative maintenance.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use these products as directed. While some products are suitable for occasional use, others are designed for more frequent applications. Always refer to the instructions and dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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Ethanol's lubrication properties
Ethanol is a very strong solvent, and its use with fossil fuels can have a significant effect on automotive lubricants. The addition of bioethanol to gasoline increases the fuel's tendency to reach the crankcase of the engine oil, increasing the rate of fuel dilution. This, in turn, leads to a drop in engine oil viscosity and total base number (TBN), as well as an increase in total acid number (TAN) and friction, wear losses, and deposit formation resulting from oxidation and corrosion of bioethanol.
Tippayawong and Sooksarn investigated the lubricating performance of lubricants diluted with ethanol and gasoline. They found that the viscosity of all oil samples decreased with operating time, with synthetic-based oils showing a 20% change after 3000 km, and mineral-based oils showing a 45% change. The wear scar areas from the gasohol-run engine were about 10% larger than those from the gasoline-run engine.
Costa and Spikes investigated the effect of temperature on the lubricating performance of fully-formulated oil contaminated with 5% of both anhydrous and hydrated ethanol fuels and a solution of ZDDP antiwear additive. They found that this addition destroyed the pre-formed antiwear tribofilm and deteriorated the rubbing surface.
Ethanol-diesel blends have been studied as an alternative to pure diesel fuel, as ethanol cannot be used on its own in diesel engines due to its low cetane number and lubricity. These blends have shown a decrease in the scuffing load and a corresponding deterioration in the lubricating properties of the diesel–ethanol blend.
In summary, while ethanol has some lubricating properties, its use in fuel blends can negatively impact the performance of automotive lubricants, leading to increased friction and wear in engines.
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Ethanol's corrosive properties
Ethanol-blended gasoline has corrosive properties that can cause serious engine damage if used regularly. Ethanol is a strong solvent and a very powerful cleaner, which can be both a positive and negative quality. On the one hand, it keeps injectors very clean, but on the other hand, it can eat away at seals and other materials in the fuel system.
Ethanol is highly water-soluble, which can lead to storage problems. Water in the fuel system can cause rusting, fuel degradation, and other issues. It is also associated with microbial contamination, as acetobacter bacteria are often found in ethanol fuel, producing acetic acid in the fuel system. This is why regular maintenance checks are essential when using ethanol fuel.
Additionally, ethanol-enriched fuel may not be as environmentally friendly as it seems. While it helps reduce emissions, a 30-year study found that it ends up contributing twice as much carbon dioxide to the air as conventional gasoline. This is partly due to the farming of corn, which is the primary ethanol feedstock.
To mitigate the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended fuel, products like Biobor EB can be used. It protects against water accumulation and guards against corrosion in sensitive engine parts. Regular maintenance and inspections of the vehicle's fuel system are also crucial to minimizing the risk of engine issues associated with ethanol fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to use a fuel injector cleaner with E85. In fact, E85 can be used as a fuel injector cleaner itself. However, some people choose to use additional injector cleaners and fuel treatments, such as Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus or Lucas E85 Treatment.
No, it is a myth that E85 will eat rubber or cause problems with the fuel system. However, ethanol in E85 is a solvent and can leave deposits on intake valves and fuel injectors, reducing fuel economy.
It is recommended to use a fuel injector cleaner every oil change or 4,000 miles.
