This may be a stupid question but here goes nothing:

I just purchased a brand new 2006 F-150 Lariat Supercrew with the Flex Fuel 5.4L V8. I was told that BP sells ethanol because around here it's hard to find. I was wondering 1st though is it safe to mix gas and ethanol or should I run my tank dry then fill it up with ethanol? How much cheaper is the ethanol? Where can I get ethanol besides BP? I never let my tank get below 1/4 of a tank so I was wondering if I should run it dry then fill it up and if I did would I run into any problems? I've heard nothing but good things about the flex fuel and even had it recommended by one of the Ford dealers on this website but I do not know anyone personally who has used the advantages of the flex fuel. Any feedback would be most appreciated guys. Thanks.

 

No need to run it dry first.

So far only vehicles that ran quite awhile on regular, and then switched to the E85 blend have had problems. Because the E85 will remove some of the varnish and gunk that is left behind by non-ethanol fuels.

Price differences vary greatly by region. Here in Illinois, it has been averaging 50 -75 cents per gallon cheaper. BUT, we have the raw materials, and the production plants close by.

 

Your owners manual will outline that. For example, my Dodge Caravan FFV says do it under 1/4 of a tank. My bosses FFV Chevy 1500 says do it before 1/4 of a tank. I have done it both ways in my van with no problems.

 

Thread moved to Alternative Fuels forum.

-Matt

 

I can't see how it can make any difference when you fill up your tank. "Ethanol" is already a mix of gas and alcohol. If your F-150 runs on 100% gas and 90% gas (which is what they sell as "ethanol"), it should run on any mix in between. Even if the new Lariat is able to use E85 which is 15% gasoline, then it will run on any mix in between.

 

There is a sensor in the fuel system on a flex fuel vehicle that identifies the fuel mixture for the computer. A flex fuel vehicle can run on anything from 0% to 85% ethanol. Your mileage will drop a tad with ethanol in the mix but that is what some of the price differential is supposed to make up for. Call around and see if you can find any more stations with E85.

Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol, is a two carbon chain alcohol that is mixed in drinks or denatured by mixing with toluene or other chemicals for industrial or medical uses. E85 or gasohol are the terms used for automotive fuels containing 85 or 10% alcohol respectively.

 

My dad just bought a 2006 F150 XLT Super Crew with the same motor. It gets the same mileage on E85 that it does on regular gasoline, 15.5MPG, assuming the same driving conditions. The water's warm, jump on in!

See the following site for information about E85 and refueling locations:

http://www.e85fuel.com/

 

Have his truck checked, mileage will always be lower with E85 but the fuel cost will help offset it. According to government figures the fuel and operational cost with E85 is also higher.

Check out this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=484181

 

With only 1800 miles on the truck, I doubt there's anything wrong with it. I drove the trips we went on. Miles / gallons. Runs and drives exactly the same on E85 as it does on gasoline.

I think the variable valve timing and 9.8:1 compression ratio has a lot to do with it.

I almost didn't say anything because I knew you guys would never believe it.

Now to be fair, at the place where someone I know works, they have a fleet of 1999 flex fuel Rangers. He says those get 20mpg on gasoline and 12mpg on E85. Those lack the higher compression ratio and variable valve timing of the newer motors.

 

We have more data:

We filled up again today. This tank of E85 was run about 30% highway, 70% in town short trips. This time it was 12.7mpg. Since most of this truck's previous mileage has been on the highway, we dont have a gasoline mileage number for in town driving to compare that to. When we get that, I'll report back. My current theory is that E85 might reduce mileage on in-town short trips. We shall see.

 

I tried E85 a couple times last summer when we lived in MN. Now live in MO and don't think it's available here. I'd like to try it again if the price was right. Try it in different ratios with regular gasoline.
E85, so the experts all say, has less energy and hence you will get less MPG.
I didn't do an accurate check but I think the MPG was somewhat less. Our Dodge Caravan seemed to have plenty power and "seat of the pants" could't tell the difference when burning approx 50% E85 and 50% gasahol. (10% ethanol) Some vehicles may burn the E85 more efficiently.
Whatever, it's interesting to experiment with it and I sure wouldn't discourage anyone from doing so. Keep everyone informed.

 

Even Ford will tell you that you will get less mpg with E85. If you get the same with E85 and 'E10" then you've miscalculated your mileage. Furthermore, an acurate mpg can only be seen after 5 or more fill-ups as you can have up to a 2 gallon difference in what a 'full' tank is depending on whose filling it up and what the outside temperature is.

 

You will see a greater reduction in mileage in town than on the highway, as one would expect. If you aren't seeing a difference, I would recalculate.

I love E85 and am willing to admit the difference in mileage.

 

Look, I dont care one bit if anyone here believes me or not. The figures I stated here are true. The E85 mileage reading was taken on the second full tank of E85. Same station, same parking angle, let it click itself off.

 

Adding in. E85 is not gas alchohol mix.
Its Gas and Ethanol mix, and ethanol is not alchohol.
Its fuel made from corn.

Most stations already mix in 10 to 15 percent ethanol in their fuel.