First time testing E85

[svt4me38]

I bought my first round of E85 about two months ago (65) gallons. I wasn't able to get a quick test tube till recently. And Ofcourse today I put the last of it into the car. But before emptying the barrel I took a sample.
Is this normal to be this high???

And a second test

 

[04sleeper]

Doesn't look all the way settled. (It will clear up more) Either way it looks high.

Here is what I would typically get when I tested it.

 

[svt4me38]

Higher the better right? I'm shocked with it being two months old that the % hasn't dropped. I Def did not think it would be higher than 85%. I'm curious to see what this next 65 gallons tests to be.

 

[04sleeper]

Higher will make slightly more HP.

Percentage is not going to drop.

 

[SVTDice]

04sleeper,

You said it will give you slightly more HP, Does it also give you a little more detonation resistance as well? Even though I've yet to hear anybody have ANY detonation at all with E85.

 

[static74]

Make sure you shake it very well, it should separate quickly. I stared at mine for 5 minutes before I shook it in anger and then felt like a dummy.

 

[svt4me38]

Mine sat over night and its clear now and sitting at just over 90%. Still really good.

 

[04sleeper]

04sleeper,

You said it will give you slightly more HP, Does it also give you a little more detonation resistance as well? Even though I've yet to hear anybody have ANY detonation at all with E85.

In theory it will, but with most combos it won't make any difference since you can reach MBT with E85.

 

[SILV03MustangGT]

How do you guys end up testing it when at the pump i am assuming you bring a can to put a testable amount into test it then fill up?

 

[static74]

How do you guys end up testing it when at the pump i am assuming you bring a can to put a testable amount into test it then fill up?

I carry a jug from windshield washer fluid. Squirt some in there, stick the nozzle in my car. Put the water in the tube, then use the small jug to fill the tube to the correct level. Secure the cap and shake it for a couple seconds, and it should read correct pretty quickly. If you don't shake it, you wont get a good reading since the contents don't have a chance to separate.

Dump whats left in the jug in my car and throw the cap on that and in the trunk it goes.

 

[04sleeper]

I don't shake the test tube. I just turn it over back and forth a few times. If you shake it too much it creates bubbles and takes longer to settle.

Either way it really doesn't matter because it will give you a close enough reading.

 

[SILV03MustangGT]

cool ill have to pick up a tester. Thanks for the info!

 

[c6zhombre]

another great tip 04sleeper gave me was to use distilled water instead of tap. I fill up to the water line before I leave my house, that way I'm ready when I pull up to the pump. I fill to the e85 line with a flexible, disposable plastic cup. I have noticed that using distilled not only settles out quicker....but the line is highly distinct and very easy to read.

filled up today, $2.75. tested perfect, no e70 switch happening here :beer:

 

[Mystic03]

higher ethanol...means itll run leaner if not tuned for the percentage its at...

 

[safado]

the part that separates to the top... Is that the gasoline part of the fuel or the water you just poured in?? I thought the ethanol would absorb the water and the stuff at the top was the gasoline.. also since water is heavier than oil and gasoline

 

[04sleeper]

The top part is the amount of gasoline. The water and Ethanol mix which is below the boundry line.

 

[static74]

I don't shake the test tube. I just turn it over back and forth a few times. If you shake it too much it creates bubbles and takes longer to settle.

Either way it really doesn't matter because it will give you a close enough reading.

Shake may have been an over statement, turning it over a few times explains it better

 

[04sleeper]

Shake may have been an over statement, turning it over a few times explains it better

LOL. Yeah, you don't need this for the test.

 

[safado]

shaken... not stirred........ -Bond, James Bond

 

[safado]

The top part is the amount of gasoline. The water and Ethanol mix which is below the boundry line.

Ahh thank you sir... figured as much...:beer: