ethanol

[murphy1244]

Was wondering what too much ethanol can do to my car. It seems Get Go put in unblended Ethanol in their tanks Sunday and I got a call from them. I filled up but had a little over a Quarter tank and drove about 50 miles. I also have 20 gallons in containers. The Car is a Mercury Marnier.

 

[LD1]

I am assuming your vehicle isnt flex fuel

They probably still had some gas in the take. What are they thinking?? 50% ethanol?? more? Less??

If it runs, probably looking at less power and worse fuel economy.

 

[murphy1244]

I am assuming your vehicle isnt flex fuel

They probably still had some gas in the take. What are they thinking?? 50% ethanol?? more? Less??

If it runs, probably looking at less power and worse fuel economy.

My car is a 09 Merc the stuff was straight Ethanol

 

[LD1]

Well the straight stuff is still only e85. And since you already had 1/4 of a tank, you might be around 60-65%.

Did it run okay?? And is the car approved as a flex-fuel vehicle??

 

[murphy1244]

Well the straight stuff is still only e85. And since you already had 1/4 of a tank, you might be around 60-65%.

Did it run okay?? And is the car approved as a flex-fuel vehicle??

No its not a flex fuel car.

 

[JasG]

Ethanol attacks the seal and is highly corrosive. From what I have read flex fuel cars have different seals and stainless steel lines. It also attracts water and will evaporate out leaving the water behind.
Flex Fuel Vehicles | Ethanol Retailer

What are the differences between a FFV and a regular gasoline-only model?

The significant difference is the fuel sensor which detects the ethanol-to-gasoline ratio. A number of other parts on the FFV’s fuel delivery system are modified to be E85 compatible. The fuel tank, the fuel lines, fuel injectors, computer system and anti-siphon device have been slightly modified. Alcohol fuels can be more corrosive to certain metals than gasoline; therefore, fuel system parts have been upgraded for high level ethanol use.

Differences Between Flex Fuel Engines & Gas Engines | eHow

 

[JasG]

Here is another one, hope some of this helps.


E15 and Engines - Can Ethanol Damage my Engine - Popular Mechanics

I don't know if 1 tank would be enough to do any damage or not.

 

[murphy1244]

Thanks much!

 

[JasG]

Well the straight stuff is still only e85. And since you already had 1/4 of a tank, you might be around 60-65%.

Did it run okay?? And is the car approved as a flex-fuel vehicle??

Actually it ships at 95% ethanol and 5% gas to denature it. It is blended when it goes to a gas station. So it is possible it is higher than E85, of course that will depend on what was left in the station tank.


Midwest Renewable Energy LLC Ethanol production plant Sutherland Nebraska

 

[murphy1244]

I had it towed to my shop. They will look at it Thursday. I imagine a flush and fill the gas tank, change oil and clean out the injection system. Yes?