Mercedes Mullins
E85 fuel, which contains up to 85% ethanol, has gained popularity in recent years due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to provide the required octane and power. However, its use comes with certain considerations, such as its hydroscopic nature, which attracts moisture from the air and can lead to water buildup in the fuel system. This water buildup can cause damage to injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators if not properly managed. To address this issue, it is crucial to avoid long storage periods with E85 in the fuel tank and to periodically run pump gasoline (E10) to mitigate the potential issues caused by its hydroscopic nature. Additionally, concerns have been raised about E85's compatibility with fuel lines, with some reports suggesting that it can corrode fuel lines and other components in the fuel system. The compatibility depends on the age of the vehicle and the fuel system's resistance to ethanol. Vehicles manufactured before 1994 with older fuel systems may not be suitable for E85 use, while newer vehicles with ethanol-safe fuel systems can utilize it without worries. To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to check the manufacturer's guidelines and consider using ethanol-resistant fuel lines made from materials like PTFE, which is known for its durability and compatibility with corrosive fuels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Line Material | PTFE, Nylon, Rubber |
| Hose Construction | Three-ply construction with chlorinated polyethylene elastomer (CPE) inner tube, reinforcing textile braid, and CPE outer construction |
| Hose Ends | Socketless barb fittings, two-piece threaded AN-style hose ends, swivel fittings with double Viton O-rings |
| Pump | MagnaFuel ProTuner 750, Bosch 044 |
| Fuel System Compatibility | E85-compatible fuel lines and fittings are necessary to prevent corrosion and damage, especially in vehicles manufactured before 1994 |
| Fuel Type | E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and the rest is gasoline |
| Fuel Cost | E85 is cost-effective |
| Fuel Performance | E85 has reduced energy density, leading to a 25% reduction in vehicle range |
| Fuel Supply Demands | E85 requires a 35% higher fuel supply for the same horsepower level |
| Fuel Storage | Avoid long-term storage of E85 in metal containers due to its hydroscopic nature; run pump gasoline (E10) every third or fourth tankful to prevent water buildup |
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What You'll Learn
E85 fuel's corrosive nature
E85 is a type of biofuel obtained from biomass sources such as corn crops, grains, "starchy" wastes, and sugarcane. It is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
E85 has a hydroscopic nature, meaning it attracts moisture from the air, which can cause damage to injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators. This moisture can also cause rust to form in the fuel tank. When storing E85, it is important to avoid metal containers and long storage periods to prevent water buildup and the introduction of rust into the fuel.
E85 is also known for its corrosive nature, which can affect fuel system components, including magnesium, aluminium, rubber hoses, gaskets, and paper fuel filters. This is due to the presence of ethanol, which can be corrosive when mixed with water. The corrosive effects of E85 can be minimized by keeping the fuel tank full when the vehicle is stored.
The use of E85 fuel can lead to issues with the fuel pump due to its lack of lubrication. The electric fuel pump may fail prematurely as it works harder to pump 20-30% more fuel for the same travel distance.
When choosing a fuel line for an E85 tank, it is important to consider the corrosive nature of the fuel. Some options for fuel lines that are compatible with E85 include:
- Fragola Premium Black Nylon Race Hose: This hose has a rubber inner layer reinforced with stainless steel and a black nylon braid exterior, making it durable and resistant to abrasion. It does not break down from ethanol use.
- PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) fuel lines: PTFE is resistant to temperature and pressure, making it suitable for corrosive fuels like E85. However, it is more costly than other options.
- RedHorse Performance E85 hose: This hose is specifically designed for use with E85 fuel and is affordable.
- XRP fuel hose: This hose uses a three-ply construction with a chlorinated polyethylene elastomer (CPE) inner tube and outer construction. While it is permeable and may cause a fuel smell, it is expected to have a long life when used inside the fuel tank.
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E85's hydroscopic nature
E85 is a type of fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol and the remainder being gasoline or other hydrocarbons. It has gained popularity due to its sustainability and reduced emissions compared to pump gasoline. However, one of the challenges associated with E85 is its hydroscopic nature, which means it has the ability to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. This can lead to several issues in a vehicle's fuel system.
Due to its hydroscopic nature, E85 attracts moisture from the surrounding air, resulting in a buildup of water within the fuel system. This water accumulation can cause damage to various components, including injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators, if not properly addressed. The moisture absorbed by E85 can also lead to corrosion, particularly in the fuel pump and injectors, which can result in serious problems over time. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly run pump gasoline (E10) to eliminate the potential issues arising from the hydroscopic nature of E85.
The hygroscopic characteristic of E85 is closely related to its high ethanol content. Ethanol is known for its ability to absorb water, and with E85 containing up to 85% ethanol, the hydroscopic nature becomes more pronounced. This high ethanol content also contributes to the fuel's variable nature, making it a concern for those tuning their vehicles for maximum power.
To mitigate the issues caused by E85's hydroscopic nature, it is recommended to avoid using certain materials in the fuel system that are incompatible with ethanol. These include PVC, nitrile, natural rubber, urethane, non-anodized aluminum, zinc, brass, and untreated ferrous metals. Additionally, when storing E85, it is important to refrain from using metal containers as the absorbed water can oxidize the interior and introduce rust into the fuel.
In summary, E85's hydroscopic nature, resulting from its high ethanol content, poses challenges by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. This moisture buildup can lead to corrosion and damage various components within the fuel system. To address these issues, it is necessary to use compatible materials, regularly run pump gasoline, and avoid long-term storage of E85 in metal containers. By taking these precautions, the potential problems associated with E85's hydroscopic nature can be minimized.
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E85 fuel compatibility
E85 is a type of fuel that is a blend of about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is a cost-effective fuel that provides the octane and power potential needed for demanding applications. It is also beneficial for its cooling effect on intake charges.
However, E85 has a reduced energy density, which can decrease a vehicle's range by around 25%. This means that the fuel system must supply 35% more fuel for a given horsepower level. Due to its hydroscopic nature, E85 also attracts moisture from the air, which can cause damage to injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators if not properly addressed. Therefore, it is important to avoid long storage periods with E85 in the fuel tank and to avoid storing it in metal containers.
When it comes to fuel lines, some sources recommend using PTFE lines for E85 fuel due to their compatibility with corrosive fuel and resistance to temperature and pressure. Fragola Premium Black Nylon Race Hose is another option that is compatible with E85 and has added durability and strength.
It is important to note that E85 should not be used in vehicles that are not specifically designed for flex-fuel use. These vehicles have sensors that detect the gasoline-ethanol ratio and make adjustments for optimal performance. Using E85 in a non-compatible vehicle can cause issues with the fuel system and require draining the gas tank.
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E85 fuel conversion kits
E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is a popular choice for high-horsepower engines. It is cost-effective and provides the octane and power needed for demanding applications. However, it can be corrosive and may damage fuel system components. Therefore, it is important to use compatible fuel lines, filters, and pumps when using E85 fuel.
Several companies offer E85 fuel conversion kits, such as eFlexFuel, that allow your vehicle's fuel system to run E85 fuel safely. These kits are designed to verify your vehicle's compatibility and include everything needed for a DIY installation. The kits typically start at $699 and can improve your vehicle's performance while reducing harmful emissions.
It is important to note that E85 fuel has a reduced energy density compared to gasoline, which can decrease a vehicle's range by about 25%. Additionally, the hydroscopic nature of E85 attracts moisture from the air, which can cause damage to injectors, pumps, and lines if not properly addressed. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid long storage periods with E85 in the fuel tank and to periodically run pump gasoline to eliminate potential problems caused by its hydroscopic nature.
When choosing a fuel line for an E85 tank, there are several options available. Fragola Premium Black Nylon Race Hose is a standard AN-style hose that holds up well against ethanol and methanol. It has a rubber inner hose with impregnated stainless steel reinforcement and a black nylon braid exterior that adds durability and reduces abrasion. PTFE fuel lines are also an excellent option for E85 fuel due to their resistance to temperature and pressure, making them suitable for corrosive fuel. However, PTFE lines can be more costly.
Some vehicle manufacturers, such as GM, offer E85 flex fuel sensor connectors that constantly monitor the fuel's ethanol percentage and adjust the fueling, timing, and boost accordingly. It is important to check if your vehicle was ever sold as a Flex Fuel model before considering a conversion kit, as it may already be compatible with E85 fuel. Additionally, converting to E85 fuel may void your warranty, so it is essential to check with the manufacturer before making any modifications.
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E85 fuel's reduced energy density
E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, has gained popularity in recent years, especially for high-horsepower engines. While it offers a cost-effective option with a cooling effect on intake charges, it also presents certain challenges due to its reduced energy density.
The energy density of a fuel refers to the amount of energy it contains per unit of volume or weight. In the case of E85, its energy density is approximately 82,000 BTU per gallon, which is significantly lower than that of pure gasoline or E10 (a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline). This reduced energy density has a direct impact on the range of a vehicle. For instance, a car that typically travels 200 miles on a tank of E10 fuel will only be able to go about 150 miles on the same amount of E85 fuel. This reduction in range is due to the lower energy content of E85, which means that the fuel system has to supply 35% more fuel to maintain the same level of horsepower.
The decreased energy density of E85 also leads to increased fuel supply demands. The fuel system, including the pump(s), lines, regulator, injectors, and return, needs to support a higher volume of fuel at the same pressure. This can put additional strain on the components and may require modifications to ensure compatibility. It's important to note that E85 has a hydroscopic nature, meaning it attracts moisture from the air, which can cause damage to injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators if not properly managed.
To address the challenges posed by the reduced energy density of E85, some manufacturers have developed flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on both gasoline and ethanol blends. These FFVs have fuel injectors designed for higher fuel flows to compensate for the low heating value of E85. Additionally, the use of direct injection technology and elevated compression ratios can improve the energy efficiency of FFVs, making them more comparable to dedicated ethanol cars.
While E85 fuel has its drawbacks in terms of reduced energy density, it also offers certain advantages. It has been found to reduce emissions of pollutants such as CO, NOx, benzene, and fuel evaporative emissions compared to conventional gasoline. Furthermore, E85's high octane rating and cooling effect can enhance engine performance and power output, making it a popular choice for turbocharged vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
E85 is a type of fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol and the rest is gasoline. It is a cost-effective fuel option that can provide octane and power potential for demanding applications.
Fragola Premium Black Nylon Race Hose is one option that is compatible with E85. It has a rubber inner hose with impregnated stainless steel reinforcement and a black nylon braid on the outside that adds durability and reduces abrasion. PTFE fuel lines are also compatible with E85 and are a great option for corrosive fuel, but they are more expensive.
Yes, there are a few potential issues to be aware of when using E85 fuel. Due to its hydroscopic nature, E85 can attract moisture from the air, which can cause damage to injectors, pumps, lines, and regulators if not properly addressed. It is also important to note that E85 is only compatible with fuel systems that are resistant to ethanol. Vehicles from 1993 or older may not be compatible with E85 fuel.
