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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2005
05:51:12

Subject: EC85 gas 105 octane $2.75
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I topped my tank off (1/2 full) with EC85 105 octane gas,,, kind of by mistake. I saw the sign for $2.75 gas, which was cheaper than the other local stations, and started pumping. While filling the tank I read several signs, one said NOT GASOLINE for FFV Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only, another said to check with your manufacturer. By the time I got done filling the tank I was questioning if the truck was going run or be able to tow my boat (3500#) out to the lake.

After driving 10-15 miles I didn't notice anything wierd, so off to the lake I go. Going out there I didn't realy notice anything different because I was hung in traffic, but on the way home the truck acted totally different. Pulling hills (with 3500# trailer in tow)was no problem, the truck got up to speed much quicker and with less effort, plus it seemed that the truck was running much smoother,,, never saw the temp guage go up on long grades.

I don't know if this is a fluke or if I am seeing things, but it seems like my 03 QC 4.7 is running much better on the 105 octane EC85 ethanol/gas. EC85 is differrent in that it's 85% ethanol and 15% gas, instead of the specially blended gas for the winter which is 15% ethanol and 85% gas. Since I had 1/2 tank of regular 85 octane gas and topped it off with 105 octane, the fuel in my tank was probably 95 octane, but it sure seemed like it made a difference in the way the truck ran.

Anyone heard of problems running ethanol or high octane fuel in a 4.7. I figure ethanol shouldn't be a problem since we run it in the winter, but I have never seen anything saying not to run high octane fuel,,, only that it won't improve your performance since the engine is tuned for 85 octane gas.

Anyone try this stuff before,,, similar experiences? Guess I'll have to see if it's make a difference driving the truck without the trailer.



NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2005
09:04:25

RE: EC85 gas 105 octane $2.75
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I have never ran E85 as mine are not equipted for running it. From what I understand the larger alcohol (ethanal) content requires a different lining system, teflon if I recall. That said I would guess it could cause a fuel leak from some of the fittings. I have heard that it will burn it faster so the amount you pay at the pump may be out weighed by the increased amount burned but can't say.



DSW
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2005
13:44:03

RE: EC85 gas 105 octane $2.75
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Here's other information I found on EC85,,,

"Performance
The 2.7 liter V6 engines ordered (Fleet order only) in the Sebring and Stratus Sedans, the 3.3 liter V6 engines ordered (Fleet order only) in the Caravans, and the 4.7 liter engines (Fleet order only) in the Dodge Ram 1500 Series pickups are ethanol flexible fuel vehicles.

Performance factors of ethanol flexible fuel vehicles like acceleration, power, payload, and cruise speed are comparable to gasoline powered vehicles. Even maintenance is readily available and very similar to that of gas powered vehicles. There are some considerations to take into account when using an ethanol fueled vehicle, though. When using E85 as a fuel, a special engine oil (and an oil change interval of 3,000 miles) is required. Ethanol is a fuel with low volatility, which may present a challenge with spark ignition engines. As a result, performance may be altered during cold engine starts, and misfires during warm up may occur. In addition, range is reduced 27% when running on Ethanol."

Maybe other 4.7's, besides the fleet Ram's, are FFV's even though DC doesn't say so, could be something incorporated into the PCM. I didn't notice a lack of power, just the opposite in my case. Guess I'll find out later today as I am going to be emptying out the rest of it on a road trip. The article says that special oil and short oil change intervals are required for running ethanol, another reason not to run the stuff.

It's kind of wierd though, the gas station I went to was packed and everyone was filling up with the EC85.




Maybe
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2005
14:04:16

RE: EC85 gas 105 octane $2.75
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they were thinking they were getting a bargain just like you and didn't realize it was EC85.

Some people see a line forming and will follow without knowing what is being sold or given away.



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