FlexFuel and Facts

[jamesm]

Originally Posted by tg_1981

LOL...When did you do this?

not long ago when i was first converting my pump gas tune to e85. now i keep them in separate folders

[jeebus]

This is all excellent information. One thing worth noting though, and I could be wrong, but if LTFT gets to +/- 25 don't you throw a lean/rich code? (assuming you haven't disabled it, lol)

Also, I've put a few k miles on Shiv's e85 tune and I've seen some fluctuations in the ethanol content myself. PERSONALLY, I prefer to add a bit of gas when the trims are on the lean side just because it makes me feel better. Plus, when the trims are on the lean side (high ethanol), my car hates to start on cold mornings. It still starts, but I hate trying more than once.

But admittedly, I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I like to see my LTFT as close to zero as possible.

[FRSFirestorm]

Having tuned before I understand the closed loop process for fueling. IE: adjustments based upon STFT's and LTFT's.

I've always understood however that AFR's while running methanol/ethanol fuels should be somewhat richer? Which tuning and commanded AFR's won't account for since tuned to run regular fuels?

[Liquid6]

So let me get this right I can put E85 in my car with a tune from OFT and not have to buy a $650 flex fuel kit? I'm new to this tuning stuff and don't want to spend money on something that isn't necessary.
Thanks

[nlowell]

Originally Posted by Liquid6

So let me get this right I can put E85 in my car with a tune from OFT and not have to buy a $650 flex fuel kit? I'm new to this tuning stuff and don't want to spend money on something that isn't necessary.
Thanks

Correct - and if you want to test the Ethanol content out of curiosity all you need is a turkey baster and a 100ml graduated cylinder - I bought mine off amazon.

[Liquid6]

Ok great. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for your help


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[arghx7]

Shiv, can you comment on flex fuel kits and quality of starting in cold weather?

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by arghx7

Shiv, can you comment on flex fuel kits and quality of starting in cold weather?

FYI, it was 35 this morning according to the car, and there was ice on the ground. Started great on e85. A quarter second of stutter.

[Liquid6]

Originally Posted by nlowell

Correct - and if you want to test the Ethanol content out of curiosity all you need is a turkey baster and a 100ml graduated cylinder - I bought mine off amazon.

Do you know if there is a digital plug in ethanol content tester or is that just part of the whole flex fuel kit . I know its not needed but would like to get content while I'm in car.instead of going the turkey baster route.
thanks again

[jamesm]

Originally Posted by Liquid6

Do you know if there is a digital plug in ethanol content tester or is that just part of the whole flex fuel kit . I know its not needed but would like to get content while I'm in car.instead of going the turkey baster route.
thanks again

you can get the gauge and sensor in a variety of configurations from zeitronix directly. runs about $350-370 for the whole setup iirc.

[danthedirt]

Originally Posted by nlowell

Correct - and if you want to test the Ethanol content out of curiosity all you need is a turkey baster and a 100ml graduated cylinder - I bought mine off amazon.

Can you elaborate how this works? Does the ethanol separate?

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[SkullWorks]

Originally Posted by danthedirt

Can you elaborate how this works? Does the ethanol separate?

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Ethanol is Hydroscopic meaning it likes to absorb water, if you mix the E85 with Water and shake it to mix it, the gas will now float on top of your Alcohol water mixture...if you did your maths correctly, you can look at the level in the graduated cylinder where the GAS and Alcohol/water separate and deduce your % of alcohol

[nlowell]

Originally Posted by danthedirt

Can you elaborate how this works? Does the ethanol separate?

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You fill the cylinder up with 25ml of water and 75ml fuel. Cover and shake. After it settles, the ethanol will join with the water and what you have on top will be the pure gasoline. You can equate the percentage of ethanol content by taking the the new separation line (call it x), which is should be in the 80's, and plugging it into this equation:

(x-25)/75

Basically you are figuring out how much ethanol was added to the water (x-25) then what percentage of the original fuel (75) that is.

If the separation line is now at 88 (x=88) then the equation would be

88-25=63
63/75=.84 (or 84% ethanol)

At least that is how I understand it

[Sojhinn]

Count me in as one of those people who have noticed the car automagically (word use intended) handles variations in the fuel. I've been running a mixture of either e85 or 92 for the past 3.5 weeks. The car handled everything I threw at it, and between the cars computer and shiv's awesome tune on my esc everything is incredible.