Gas question

[KitchenWitch]

In Minnesota, there is a product called E-85, which is 85% ethanol 15% gasoline. Not all stations carry it but it is gaining popularity. Certain cars built since 2001 can use it (see http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/models.html) and there are after market conversion kits available for other vehicles.

Are other areas of the country carrying E-85?

I filled up last Thursday with E-85 and the price was $1.58 per gallon. I lose about 1-2 mpg on E-85, but it is more than made up for in the current price, and the fact that 85% of the blend is made of a renewable resource. (and less reliance on foreign oil supplies).

Any thoughts?

[Jimmyjo]

1. Alcohol and oil

I dont know how accurate it is, but I've heard that ethanol is very hard on oil. Somehow the alcohol in it acts as a cleansing agent, and breaks down the oil or somesuch.
Basically, 100% ethanol is "not compatible" with engine oil. You can run it, but its hard on the oil. I dont know how a blend will affect your oil but its something you might want to look into.

[Spider Jerusalem]

2. That stuff is more energy-intensive than regular gasoline...

ethanol is a net energy sink. It takes petrochemicals to fertilise the crops and eliminate agrigultural pests; it takes energy in the form of diesel-powered farm equipment to plant the crops, harvest them, and process the grain into alcohol. One figure I've seen is the equivalent of three gallons of gasoline to produce one gallon of ethanol.

The ONLY reason it's cheaper is because of federal subsidies. If it were priced logically, it would be about 1.5/2x more than gasoline.

[Jimmyjo]

3. Peak oil!

Lets not go down that road. Otherwise we open up the "Peak Oil" discussion, and quite frankly its real, its coming and theres not a damned thing we can do about it except bend over and grab our ankles. :(

[BlueEyedSon]

7. We are already "down that road". There is even a DU Group.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=266

Welcome to DU.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Don't know about this product

but ethanol, made with alcohol distilled from corn I believe, always gives us better gas mileage. My mechanic husband says that the problem with using these types of fuels is not that they mess with the oil but with the hoses in the cars, degrading them.

[Jimmyjo]

5. True

Yes, alcohol is also hard on the rubbers hoses and gaskets as well as the oil.
At least, thats what all my friends who race and use alcohol say.

[BlueEyedSon]

8. Not to mention the hangovers!

:rofl:

[MadHound]

6. Living in Missouri, I've dealt with ethanol blends

You don't need to worry about your oil, unless you've been burning oil. Otherwise, with the oil and gas, never the twain shall meet. However, you do need to keep your eyes on your fuel lines, since the ethanol can degrade neoprene fuel lines fairly quick. I would suggest switching over to metal ones. The other item you need to check is your fuel filter. Ethanol blends will break loose the gunk and grime that has built up on the inside of your fuel tank and fuel lines, and will flush that garbage right towards your fuel filters. Check and change them frequently for the next year, aprox once ever three weeks.

Other than that, enjoy.