E85 Question

"ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback" (armadaexpress)
07/22/2014 at 12:42 • Filed to: None

For those of you out there that use E85.

I have the JB4 (ECU Tuner) and I found a local station that has E85.

I'd like to start using it shortly but I wanted to know what experiences you've had and what I should look out for. I've done some reading and I know that on the stock fuel pump we should keep it at E35ish more-or-less.

What's the best way to get the mixture you want and to verify that the fuel you get from the station is in fact the correct mixture (E85 v E60) and so on.

DISCUSSION (18)

HammerheadFistpunch > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
07/22/2014 at 12:44

premix is best, splash mix is acceptable. DO NOT run heavy Ethanol mix in a non-flex fuel vehicle no matter what the tune. Manufactures are starting to discover than even e15 is harmful to the fuel system. I assume you are driving an armada?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > HammerheadFistpunch
07/22/2014 at 14:08

lol, no I drive an '09 535xi. Lots of people have been using E35ish long term with very little issue. Once you go over that you wear out the Low Pressure Fuel Pump because the Ethanol is much more dense and therefore more work for the pump.

I know I can safely use Ethanol in my vehicle, but I don't know how regulated those pumps are and whether or not you're getting what you expect. I also know that during the cold weather months these stations usually change to an E65 rated fuel, but I'd like to know more.

What is premix vs splash-mix? I assume pre is filling the tank from "empty" to "full" using the same mixture while splash is more like topping-off the tank with some E85?

HammerheadFistpunch > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
07/22/2014 at 14:09

Thats the idea. As it goes with BMW pumps, I would stay the hell away from Ethanol, but thats just based on their pumps reliability record.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > HammerheadFistpunch
07/22/2014 at 14:15

I'll keep that in mind. I'm not in any sort of rush to go to ethanol, but knowing it's available has piqued my interest. I'll be doing a lot more research before I ever seriously think about putting it in my car.

I've discussed replacing the low pressure with a Walbro with a mechanic friend of mine that has experience with ethanol. So maybe I'll do that first if I ever go down that road.

heliochrome85 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
07/22/2014 at 15:32

you coming to cars and coffee this weekend?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > heliochrome85
07/22/2014 at 15:43

Unfortunately no, but for a great reason! My wife is having a scheduled C-Section Friday Morning so I will be a little preoccupied for a little while. You'll have to tell me how it is and if more people show up. I don't like that they wait to post the next event one week ahead of time.

heliochrome85 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
07/22/2014 at 15:44

Oh congrats! PHRichland? Lexington? Boy? Girl?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > heliochrome85
07/22/2014 at 16:14

It's a boy so we'll have one of each. We're a bit more excited instead of anxious compared to when my daughter was born. I'm hoping to maybe get to the next C&C though.

heliochrome85 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
07/22/2014 at 16:16

Very exciting! Best of luck!

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > heliochrome85
07/22/2014 at 16:17

Thanks!

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > heliochrome85
08/23/2014 at 08:37

I'll be at Cars and Coffee at Sandhills today. Bringing the wife and kids as well. You going?

heliochrome85 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
08/23/2014 at 08:39

Yep. However, Ill have an X1 loaner as my baby is in the shop for service. What will you be wearing?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > heliochrome85
08/23/2014 at 09:06

striped shirt. I'll be with my wife and a dual stroller. My name is Dan, what's yours?

heliochrome85 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
08/23/2014 at 09:07

tariq. Ill beheading up that way in about 30 min.