E-85 Ethanol

[Ronkat81]

I Posted this in Alternative fuels, but just in case someone doesn't look there I would like to get some of your feedback. . . I haven't really studied the flashpoint and chemical makeup of the Ethanol yet (pretty bad for a Physics Major huh), but was curious as to whether anyone had tried it out yet?

OK, we all know how high diesel is (and gasoline) but recently I have seen a station near me that is running e-85 (Ethanol) will our Diesels burn this? Or start up on it rather? I have a 75 240D... The Fuel Prices were around this Diesel $3.79, Reg Gas $3.39, E-85 3.13!!!! I said hmmmmmmmmmmm fill-up? but I was going quite a ways and didn't want to risk breaking down having to drain it etc.... Ideas?

[pimpernell]

Originally Posted by Ronkat81

I Posted this in Alternative fuels, but just in case someone doesn't look there I would like to get some of your feedback. . . I haven't really studied the flashpoint and chemical makeup of the Ethanol yet (pretty bad for a Physics Major huh), but was curious as to whether anyone had tried it out yet?

OK, we all know how high diesel is (and gasoline) but recently I have seen a station near me that is running e-85 (Ethanol) will our Diesels burn this? Or start up on it rather? I have a 75 240D... The Fuel Prices were around this Diesel $3.79, Reg Gas $3.39, E-85 3.13!!!! I said hmmmmmmmmmmm fill-up? but I was going quite a ways and didn't want to risk breaking down having to drain it etc.... Ideas?

I think you made a wise decision. I am sure there are some modified diesels that can run on it, but I don't think a 240D is one of them. A number of years ago, my wife inadvertently filled up my Isuzu diesel with gas, and drove about 2 miles before the engine lost power, and the top speed she could attain was about 20 mph. She only had to go about 2 miles to get home, but the tank and fuel filter had to be drained and refueled with diesel. Luckily no engine damage took place, but I am sure with extended use, the engine would have suffered.








Other disadvantages

Disadvantages to ethanol fuel blends when used in engines designed exclusively for gasoline include lowered fuel mileage, metal corrosion, deterioration of plastic and rubber fuel system components, clogged fuel systems, fuel injectors, and carburetors, delamination of composite fuel tanks, varnish buildup on engine parts, damaged or destroyed internal engine components, water absorption, fuel phase separation, and shortened fuel storage life.[128][128][129][130] Many major auto, marine, motorcycle, lawn equipment, generator, and other internal combustion engine manufacturers have issued warnings and precautions about the use of ethanol-blended gasolines of any type in their engines,[dubious – discuss] and the Federal Aviation Administration and major aviation engine manufacturers have prohibited the use of automotive gasolines blended with ethanol in light aircraft due to safety issues from fuel system and engine damage.[128][129][130][131]

[GregMN]

Originally Posted by Ronkat81

will our Diesels burn this?

NO

[vstech]

it's a fuel designed specifically for E-85 GASOLINE vehicles. it only is useful for those cars.
our cars cannot run on any type of alcohol fuel.
it's an OIL burning engine!

[compress ignite]

1.The 85% Ethanol component is EXTREMELY Hygroscopic and will literally
remove moisture [H2O] from the Ambient Air through the Venting System.
2.The Ethanol component and it's Newly acquired H2O will bond together
and "Fall Out" of the 15% Gasoline component."Phase Separation".
3.The Alcohol/Water mixture then DESTROYS ANY Diesel Injection Pump
it's used in.(Does not do the Injectors themselves any good either.)
4.The "Phase Separation" mixture is at the same time "Rusting" any Ferric
metals it contacts.
5.The 15% gasoline is just adding "Insult to Injury" for the Diesel's Systems.