ETHANOL cars and trucks?

[WEATHERBY460]

questions

on ethanol vehicles......

does anyone here own one and can share your thoughts, also..how does fuel miliage compare to a regular vehicle...please share opinions.

looking a flexibile fuel 1/2 ton 4wd truck.

[epsylum]

From what I have heard ethanol is about 30% less effecient than gas. So I would guess the milage would be about 30% less.

[Old School]

I don't own one but here's what I've read. A flex fuel vehicle can run on regular unleaded gas or E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gas) or anything in between (10% ethanol for example). The more ethanol in the mixture, the greater the effect on mileage.

30% is the worst case scenario, the best I've read is an 18% reduction and all of those were in the E85 category. I haven't seen anything that says E10 reduces mileage - which likely means that driving habits & maintenance (e.g. tire pressure) are as influental as 10% ethanol in terms of mileage.

[Maxthemutt]

I've known a couple people who had flex fuel Rangers and they said mileage sucked w/ E85. They hardly ever used it.

[epsylum]

Originally posted by Old School

30% is the worst case scenario

I believe that wasn't with a commercial blend, but pure ethenol. So yes 30% probably is a worst case scenario.

[00blkgt]

I had a 1999 Ranger XLT that was flex fuel and it spark knocked like a Bi@#$. I was so disappointed because I had purchased it new and otherwise loved the truck. I don't think I kept it for a year.
J

[Old School]

epsylum - you're probably right. I was pulling from memory - given the state of my memory, it is very different than citing a credible source.

00blkgt, that's very unusual. Ethanol octane is MUCH higher than gas, and octane usually works to reduce knock. I don't doubt you, but it makes me wonder if something was wrong with the sensor / oxygen regulator (that makes an engine flex fuel).

[00blkgt]

The spark knock was experienced while using the owners manual recommended 87 octane. Ethanol was not widely availbale in my area of residence (at the time)I owned the truck.
J:freak: