Katerina Swanson
E85, a cost-effective fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol, can be harmful to fuel lines, fuel pumps, and other fuel system components that aren't resistant to ethanol. This has led to several companies offering PTFE-style hoses with stainless steel braids or black plastic outer coverings to prevent degradation. While some standard hoses can be used without issues, teflon or hard stainless custom lines are considered the most fail-proof option for E85 fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| E85 fuel line compatibility with vehicles | E85 fuel is compatible with vehicles manufactured in 1994 or later. Older vehicles may not be compatible with E85 fuel. |
| Fuel line material | The fuel line should be made of conductive PTFE with an outer braid and an inner PTFE liner or a rubber inner hose with stainless steel reinforcement. Nylon braided fuel lines are also compatible. |
| Fuel line durability | E85 fuel can cause degradation and corrosion in rubber fuel lines, leading to potential fire hazards. Stainless steel braided fuel lines are more durable and resistant to degradation. |
| Fuel odour | E85 fuel can cause a strong fuel odour in the vehicle, which can be prevented by using a fuel line with a viton inner liner. |
| Fuel line temperature | E85 fuel lines should be able to withstand a wide temperature range, such as -76°F to 446°F. |
| Fuel compatibility | E85 fuel lines are compatible with all automotive fuels, lubricants, and coolants. |
| Installation | When installing an E85 fuel line, it is important to wrap the steel braid with electrical tape to prevent fraying. |
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What You'll Learn
E85's corrosive effects on fuel lines
E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and the rest is gasoline. It can be harmful to fuel lines, fuel pumps, and other fuel system components that aren't resistant to ethanol.
In the early 1990s, the US federal government passed a law requiring vehicles to be ready for ethanol. This meant that all new vehicles built in 1994 and beyond had to have ethanol-safe fuel systems. So, if your vehicle was manufactured in 1994 or later, you don't have to worry about ethanol damaging your fuel system. However, if your vehicle is older and still has its original fuel system, you may want to consider an E85 conversion kit to prevent corrosion and other issues.
Ethanol itself is not corrosive. However, when mixed with water, it can cause corrosion. This can be mitigated by keeping the fuel tank full when the vehicle is stored. Additionally, ethanol is a great cleaner and will remove deposits from fuel lines and other engine components.
To prevent corrosion and ensure the compatibility of your fuel system with E85, it is recommended to use conductive PTFE fuel lines with an outer braid and an inner PTFE liner. This type of fuel line is highly resistant to chemical breakdown and heat. Another option is to use a rubber inner hose with impregnated stainless steel reinforcement and a black nylon braid exterior, which also provides durability and resistance to abrasion and heat.
In summary, while E85 can have corrosive effects on fuel lines, it depends on the age and compatibility of your vehicle's fuel system. By using the appropriate fuel lines and taking preventative measures, you can safely use E85 without worrying about corrosion or damage to your fuel system.
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PTFE lining with stainless steel braid
The use of ethanol and methanol fuels has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the rise of high-horsepower turbo supercharged blown EFI engines. E85 or ethanol proves to be a cost-effective fuel that can provide octane and power potential.
When it comes to choosing a fuel line for E85 and ethanol or methanol fuel, several options are available, including rubber and stainless steel braided hoses. While some standard hoses can work with E85, a more durable option is required to prevent the hose from breaking down due to chemical and heat exposure.
One example of such a product is the EVIL ENERGY 6AN PTFE Fuel Line Kit, which includes a 16-foot stainless steel braided hose with a 5/16-inch inner diameter. This product is compatible with all automotive fuels, including E85, and is designed to handle the high temperatures and pressures associated with fuel systems.
When installing a PTFE-lined stainless steel braided fuel line, it is important to consider the conductive style, as the static charge created by fuel flow can lead to arcing, burning, and potential fire hazards. Additionally, proper care should be taken when cutting the hose to prevent the steel braid from fraying.
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Rubber fuel line degradation
E85 contains up to 85% ethanol, which can be harmful to fuel lines, fuel pumps, and other fuel system components that aren't resistant to ethanol. This is especially true for older vehicles—those built in 1993 or earlier—which were not designed with ethanol-resistant fuel systems.
To address rubber fuel line degradation, some users have opted for braided steel AN hoses with a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)-based material that resembles rubber but is resistant to degradation by fuel and oil. However, changes in fuel blending can eventually take their toll on these lines as well.
Another option is to use a conductive PTFE line, which has an outer braid and an inner PTFE liner that is highly resistant to breakdown from chemicals and heat. This is important because the static charge created by fuel flow can arc, burn, and lead to fires.
Some users have reported success with stainless steel braided PTFE fuel lines, which are ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. However, it is important to note that these lines are relatively hard and cannot be bent or folded.
In summary, while there are concerns about rubber fuel line degradation with E85, there are alternative fuel line materials available that offer better resistance to degradation and improved safety. It is always recommended to consult with a professional and refer to the manufacturer's guidelines before making any modifications to your vehicle's fuel system.
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Fail-proof methods for E85
E85, a type of fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol, has been growing in popularity in recent years. It is a cost-effective fuel that provides the octane and power potential needed for demanding applications. However, it has been known to cause issues with fuel lines, especially in older vehicles.
If you're looking for a fail-proof method for using E85, here are some options to consider:
Teflon/PTFE Lines
Teflon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) lines are considered the most reliable option for E85 fuel. They are highly resistant to chemicals, heat, and pressure, making them ideal for corrosive fuels like E85. PTFE lines are more expensive and can be harder to assemble, but they offer excellent longevity. Fragola offers custom-made PTFE hoses that are E85-compatible and can be tailored to your specific needs.
Hard Stainless Custom Line
Hard stainless custom lines are another fail-proof option for E85. They are more rigid than rubber lines but provide a durable and compatible solution. Solid 316 stainless lines are considered highly compatible with E85, followed by PTFE. However, it's important to note that some users have experienced issues with swivel fittings leaking and the lack of flexibility putting stress on those fittings.
Compatible Vehicles and Fuel Systems
It's important to note that the compatibility of E85 with fuel lines also depends on the age of your vehicle. In the early 1990s, the US federal government mandated that vehicles be ready for ethanol, requiring all new vehicles built in 1994 and onwards to have ethanol-safe fuel systems. If you have a 1994 or newer vehicle, you don't need to worry about E85 damaging your fuel lines. However, if you have an older vehicle, especially those manufactured before 1993, you may need to consider upgrading your fuel system or using E85 conversion kits.
Fuel Filters and Pumps
When using E85, it's crucial to use special fuel filters and ensure that your fuel pump is compatible with this type of fuel. Ethanol can be corrosive and may damage fuel system components that are not designed to handle it. Additionally, some fuel pumps may lose their anodizing over time, so regular maintenance and inspections are important.
Braided Stainless Steel Hoses
While not fail-proof, many users have reported success with standard braided stainless steel hoses. These hoses have a rubber inner hose with impregnated stainless steel reinforcement, covered with a black nylon braid that adds durability and reduces heat and abrasion. However, it's important to note that some brands' rubber or stainless braided hoses have been known to come apart over time.
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E85 conversion kits
The use of ethanol and methanol fuels has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the rise of high-horsepower turbo supercharged blown EFI engines. E85 or ethanol is a cost-effective fuel that can provide octane and power to demanding applications.
There are a few options available for E85 conversion kits, depending on the specific vehicle and application. One popular option is the eFlexFuel E85 conversion kit, which is a patented, plug-and-play system that is easy to install on most vehicles. The eFlexFuel kit allows you to run any mixture of E85 and gasoline without adjusting the fuel system and can increase horsepower and improve efficiency. The kit includes everything needed to run E85 and can be installed by the user. It is compatible with most vehicles and comes with a phone app that allows users to switch between performance and efficiency profiles.
Another option for E85 conversion is to use a stainless steel braided fuel line. This option is ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. It is important to note that the static charge created by fuel flow can cause arcing or burning, so a conductive line is recommended to prevent fires. Additionally, when cutting the line, it is important to wrap the steel braid with electrical tape to prevent fraying.
Some users have also reported success with the Fragola PUSHLOK hose for their E85 vehicles. It is important to ensure that the fuel line is compatible with E85 to prevent issues and potential safety hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use steel-braided fuel lines with E85. PTFE nylon-braided fuel lines are ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. However, it is important to note that conductive line should be used to prevent the static charge from the fuel flow from creating arcs or burns that could lead to a fire.
Steel-braided fuel lines offer increased durability and reduced abrasion. They also help to reduce heat and sound transfer into the cockpit of the car. Additionally, steel-braided fuel lines are less likely to break down from ethanol use compared to rubber fuel lines.
While steel-braided fuel lines are generally compatible with E85, it is important to ensure that the lines are properly installed and maintained to prevent any issues. Some users have reported that their steel-braided fuel lines began to break down within a few months of installation, which could be due to the ethanol content in E85.
Yes, there are alternative options available for fuel lines when using E85. Teflon, or hard stainless custom lines are another option that is considered fail-proof for E85 applications. Additionally, some companies offer PTFE-style performance hoses with special fittings that are compatible with E85.
