5.0 Mag E85 Article

[DSG2NV03]

Took a quick peek in the section about this topic, but hope I didn't miss anything. I was reading an article in the latest 5.0 (OCT 2013 pg 68) and it basically said that on E85, rich (9.9) or lean (13.0), it will create essentially the same power (difference of only 7hp in favor of the lean). Will keeping it close to the richer side give some more safety, or just waste fuel? Thoughts? I have always shot for 11.5, but with this data, why wouldn't I shoot for 10.7 or 11.0?

Alex :beer:

 

[oldmodman]

Just read it.

What I wonder about is the self destructing fuel pumps. I don't know anyone that had had a fuel pump melt due to E-85. And what about all the fuel injectors failing? Never encountered that either. Never run into any severe corrosion problems either.

KB makes it sound like the only way to run E-85 is to drain your tank when you get to the track, fill up with E-85. Run your race. Then drain the tank empty and fuel with regular, no alky gasoline. If you don't your fuel system will be a corroded mass of garbage in a couple of days:shrug:

 

[04compgt]

Just read it.

What I wonder about is the self destructing fuel pumps. I don't know anyone that had had a fuel pump melt due to E-85. And what about all the fuel injectors failing? Never encountered that either. Never run into any severe corrosion problems either.

KB makes it sound like the only way to run E-85 is to drain your tank when you get to the track, fill up with E-85. Run your race. Then drain the tank empty and fuel with regular, no alky gasoline. If you don't your fuel system will be a corroded mass of garbage in a couple of days:shrug:

I have been using e85 every day for 28k miles, no issues.

 

[oldmodman]

I have been using e85 every day for 28k miles, no issues.

Exactly!

Where is KB getting the info that they reported in the mag.

And why?

Like I said. I have not read any complaints regarding serious corrosion problems using ethanol. Not if we were talking about methanol, I would buy the corrosion and damage talk.
If the corrosion and damage related problems that were discussed in the article were common I bet that they would have been discussed on here.
But all anyone reports is great results, and their cars running perfectly after tons of miles.

 

[70SCJ]

I will have to say I am one of those that has had problems. I believe mine came from my fuel lines. They were suppose to be made for E-85, but after about 6-8 months I could hear my pumps start to strain. Ended up clogging an injector open. Looking at the system showed black goo everywhere (filter, pre-filters and inside the lines). Replaced lines, filters, cleaned tank and injectors. I'm back up and running now, but I check the filter every couple of tanks.
There are a couple of lengthy threads talking about pumps being killed (walbro 405's) and black residue in filters.

 

[DSG2NV03]

I don't "think" the problem is with running it regularly, it is those like me who don't drive alot with a full tanks allowing the E85 to "work" on the parts.

Gents, all excellent points worthy of mentioning, but I am specifically asking about A/F ratio.

 

[DSG2NV03]

Anyone?

 

[Mr. Anderson]

there are articles, pointing to this exact issue. fuel injectors corroding from the non use. so for those that don't drive their car daily it can be an issue. I'm sure that'll be the next thing made. high HP corrosion proof E-85 injectors, if someone like ID or Bosch hasn't already done it.

edit* found one- injector dynamics did a little article:

Injector Dynamics- E85 article