E85 Fuel?

[UMT]

Sorry folks, hope this subject hasn't been beat to death but wondering what year/make/model Subbies will run on E85 fuel?

 

If you could point me to a link or something?

 

Thanks,

 

UMT

[avk]

E85 can only be used with fuel system and powertrain controls that were designed for it from the start. I believe none of Subaru engines past or present can run on it. There's info at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/eth_vehicles.html.

They have a list of current models that can run on E85. There's also a VIN checker but it's dead. My minivan can run on E85 but the nearest public-use gas station to have it is over 90 miles away. Stainless fuel rails look good though.

[1 Lucky Texan]

I doubt E85 will be more than a blip in the search for 'alternative' fuels. abusive to internal componenets in many vehicles and reduced mileage make it a real oddball.

 

I'd ignore it.

 

Carl

[Olnick]

Sorry to be so out of it gang . . . but can someone tell me what the heck "E85 fuel" is?

[avk]

"E85" stands for 85% ethanol, and 15% gasoline. An engine designed for it will handle it just fine, when filled with oil rated for that fuel. The octane number is 100. It's used a lot in Brazil. How widespread it would be is mostly a question of economics.

[Olnick]

Egads--85% ethanol! Unbelievable!

 

Thanks for the info, avk. Any idea what kind of design changes in the engine--compression higher? Timing? Valve design? Fuel delivery? Spark plugs?

[avk]

I don't know much about flexible-fuel technology, but my understanding is it mostly involves ECU programming and fuel system. The compression ratio of my van's 3.3l pushrod engine is actually rather low, but not different from the gas-only version. It doesn't even have a knock sensor. The only visible "flex-fuel" sign is stainless fuel lines. The plugs are platinum but that's probably for 100K maintenance interval.

[Olnick]

Thanks again for the reply, avk. I guess my shock at 85% ethanol is because I've heard such negative comments about fuel with 10% ethanol--but of course that would be in a "normal" engine tuned for gasoline.

 

If I may ask, what is your van? And what "flex fuel" is available where you are?

[avk]

My van is a plain 1999 Dodge [Grand] Caravan with 3.3l, bought used. Beginning in 1998 and until about 2003 a good portion of 3.3l minivans were flexible-fuel. There's no badges or other markings, just a decal on the inner side of the fuel door. Currently that engine is only available on fleet vehicles. "Flex-fuel" only means being able to run ethanol-gas mix in any proportion up to 85%. None is sold in NJ. The nearest public station I looked up was in MD.