Let's talk e85.

[DieselElectric]

I do a lot of reading but haven't seen this specific discussion, so new thread.

Those who run e85 on a car that doesn't get driven often, do you worry about the fuel going bad?

Do you test a sample whenever you fill up?

I'm tempted to make the switch since my car isn't a daily anymore. I know I will probably end up throwing a rod because I'm not one to turn down the boost or limit things.

I'm just a little overwhelmed with it. I've gotten the impression that you need to be constantly monitoring the fuel you are pumping in, and that if the car isn't driven daily, that the fuel will go bad in a relatively short amount of time.

Tell me what you know, please.

[zcspec]

Your "doesn't get driven often" definition may be different than others. My definition is "once a week or a weekend car". With that said, I would have no problems filling my AR with e85 and taking a month or so to run through the tank. I'm sure you understand, any fuel in your tank, is going to break down over time. However, each fuel has a different threshold. As long has that threshold is further out than your "doesn't get driven often", you should be fine.

[boomtime]

Gasoline can go bad "in a relatively short amount of time" anyway.
Ive been measuring alcohol content for years with e85 and my vagcom.
Ive seen alcohol levels as low as 40% and as high as 70% but never actually 85%... usually its around 60-70% depending the season and part of the country.

Some of the problems with e85:
-quality can vary = the effective octane rating can be lower than 104 octane
-water and ethanol mix easily so its hard to be sure by volume of actual alcohol content
-corrosion due to moisture in the system

most e85 handheld testers involve adding a certain amount of water to the test tube, then adding the fuel and measuring the gasoline separation level... this assumes of course the e85 is not already watered down... which it sometimes is...
the only real solution is an electronic sensor.

this is why only flex fuel cars equipped with an alcohol sensor and a "compatible fuel system" are sold in the USA as e85 capable and other cars are told not to use it or at your own risk.

On mine the main difference is the amount of timing advance, ive seen 26 degrees advanced on WOT with e85.
mine is a B8.5 2.0T not a B5 so it may not be completely relevant.

[vavJETTAw36]

I'm in the middle of making the switch myself. How's availability out there in Winchester?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DieselElectric]

Non existent from what I've seen. I think there's a station in the Bealeton area though.

[ianwpb]

I've been using it for around 2-3 months. I drive my car 2 or 3 days a week, but usually 100+ miles each time. My car was parked in the garage for about 7 days when I had my first "bad e85 cold start". It took another second or so to start up.. Not bad considering it's a 15 year old car.

I haven't tested the fuel yet. I probably should?

As far as performance goes -

On 93 Octane, warm humid weather I would average about 3.6-3.7 fats. On E85, same weather it's in the 2.9-3.0 range. In cold weather (50*) on 93 I pulled off a 3.1, so needless to say I can't wait to see what it can do on E85 next winter. For what it's worth, my tuner says my car spools slower than most. I need to check my wastegates.

I say go for it. Especially if it's readily available.

[vavJETTAw36]

Non existent from what I've seen. I think there's a station in the Bealeton area though.

Bealton and warrenton. I'm going to drive the 30miles to get it. Going to bring 4 5gal cans and fill those too. That'll last me a month or two. Got a good deal for 4 cans if you're interested. Came out to 15 bucks per can.