What happens if you put E85 gas in an 87 car?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, I often encounter questions about fuel types and their compatibility with different vehicles. One common query is about the effects of using E85 gas in a car designed for regular unleaded 87 octane fuel. Understanding the implications of this choice is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Understanding E85 Fuel
E85 is a type of fuel that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is designed for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are specifically engineered to handle higher ethanol content. Regular gasoline, on the other hand, typically has an octane rating of 87 and contains a much lower percentage of ethanol, usually around 10%.
Potential Effects of Using E85 in an 87 Octane Car
Using E85 in a vehicle that is not designed for it can lead to several issues:
- Engine Performance: Cars designed for 87 octane fuel may not run efficiently on E85. The higher ethanol content can cause the engine to run lean, leading to performance issues such as reduced power and acceleration.
- Fuel System Damage: Ethanol can be corrosive to certain materials used in fuel systems. If your car is not equipped with components that can withstand higher ethanol levels, you may experience damage to fuel lines, injectors, and other critical parts.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: E85 has a lower energy content compared to regular gasoline, which means you may need to use more fuel to achieve the same distance. This can lead to increased costs and more frequent refueling.
- Check Engine Light: Using E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle can trigger the check engine light due to improper
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to mix 85 and 87 gas?
You can absolutely mix octanes, and they mix linearly.
Will one tank of E85 hurt my car if I?
Mistakes involving E85 ethanol
And while that's never a good feeling, a one-time mistake shouldn't cause engine damage. Still, you should consult a trusted mechanic to make sure your vehicle won't develop any issues. Much greater risks occur when E85 is used in a non-flex-fuel vehicle over time.
How much does it cost to drain a fuel tank?
While engine damage is unlikely, you might need to have the vehicle towed and get the tank drained — a service that may range from $200 for minor issues to $2,000 for a full flush.
What should I do if I accidentally put E85 in my car?
If you just started filling up and realized your mistake, stop pumping and turn off the engine. You can then add regular gasoline to dilute the E85. If it was a short drive, you can likely continue driving and fill up with regular gasoline as soon as possible.
Is it OK to switch between E85 and regular gas?
Using any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle is acceptable. The sensors in an FFV detect whether the fuel is pure gasoline or 85% ethanol and make necessary changes for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion.
Does E85 make your car faster?
Faster Burning
E85 fuel has a faster ignition time and flame propagation when compared to gasoline. This leads to higher cylinder pressure, as well as increased engine torque and power, gaining up to 20%. The increased exhaust gas flow allows turbos to spool quicker.
Can you switch between E85 and regular gas?
Using any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle is acceptable. The sensors in an FFV detect whether the fuel is pure gasoline or 85% ethanol and make necessary changes for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion.
What happens if I put E85 instead of 87?
FFVs are capable of running on both ethanol-gasoline blends like E85 and regular gasoline. However, it is NOT recommended to put E85 fuel in any vehicle other than a flex fuel vehicle. Doing so can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
What happens if you mix E85 with regular gas?
You can mix E85 with regular unleaded gas in any proportion without issues. Non-Flex-Fuel Vehicles: If your vehicle is not designed for higher ethanol content, mixing E85 with regular unleaded can still be done, but it may lead to performance issues.
Can E85 damage my engine?
Here's why: E85 requires a specific management system that changes fueling based on ethanol content, like a factory FFV system or a retrofit flex fuel system from Advanced Fuel Dynamics. Improper management can cause a lean condition, which can damage your engine.
