C1 Fluids

[Rich G.]

Re: C1 Fluids

Thanks Joe

I'm not sure about the STC'c...but there are at least 2, one from EAA and one from Peterson. I recall reading a process for testing for the presence of ethanol (I think from EAA) and I recall the reason for the test was so that you wouldn't use it under their STC. Anyway, a moot point for me as both of my aiplanes are not eligible.

Rich Giannotti

[John H.]

Re: C1 Fluids

From the owner's manual for my ("E-85 Capable") '03 Dodge Caravan (E85 is gas/ethanol mixture up to 85% ethanol):

"When the ambient temperature is above 90*F, you may experience hard starting and rough idle...."

"When using E85 fuel blends, use only Mopar Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil....if Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using E85 fuel blends, engine wear may be increased significantly, and this may void your warranty".

"In the range of 0*F-32*F, you may experience an increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations) until the engine is fully warmed up."

"Because E85 fuel blends contain less energy per gallon than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel consumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline operation."

"Many components in your E85-capable vehicle are designed to be compatible with ethanol blends. Always be sure that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol-compatible parts. CAUTION! Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol-compatible components can damage your vehicle and may void your warranty."

The farm lobby may love it, but your engine won't

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Fluids

John-----

I haven't seen anything with E85 (85% ethanol) even here in California. The highest that I've seen is 15% and most are lower than that. They may have E85 for the specially equipped E85 vehicles that you described. If they build E85 vehicles, then there must be fuel around for them. When it gets to 85%, I would expect all sorts of problems.

Also, I'm surprised that the E85 would only reduce mileage by 30%. I would expect a lot more. However, even with the 15% blend, tests have shown that it does not reduce mileage by the expected percentage based upon calculation from the blend % and the fuel value of ethanol versus gasoline. I don't understand that, but empirical evidence is always better than theoretical.