End of ethanol?

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MoTec Magic - thanks 4 the info :thumbsup when it comes time for me to upgrade my fuel system for whatever reason i now know who to call :cheers i assume you guys do nitrous installations too for use with race gas?

Hi Fast Freddy... I replied here
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php?23526-Fubar-s-GT-Build&p=296810#post296810

Seemed like a better place to put the answer since it applies to Mark's build too
 
Hi BMF,

Shawn this is a typical engineers response, for one it was never tested as the GT was never designed for E85, so there for they could NOT RECOMMEND that from an engineering stand point, so of coarse the engineer would tell you that. There are hundreds of vehicles types that never were never designed to use E85 and it works fine with NO problems.


The GT tank is confirmed to have components in it that are not compatible with ethanol. It was not tested but is not necessary to be tested since the component materials are known and are confirmed to not be satisfactorily compatible with ethanol.

No known or no perceived problems is not “NO” problems. Incompatibility is incompatibility and over time will affect the vehicle. Lower percentages of alcohol and less time in the tank will slow this process; however, over time it will affect the incompatible parts and most likely lead to a failure at some point. It all obviously depends on how vital that said part that fails is. Is it a tank lining that fails coming off and slowly over times clogs the injectors leading to a failed engine… is it a fuel line that rots from the inside out leading to a rupture and a fuel fire… is it simply an o-ring that slightly swells and never really causes a problem? As stated, each vehicle is different. It’s the owner’s/shop’s responsibility to make sure said modifications are compatible in areas of concern.

The 15% of gas is more than enough of lubricant, you don't need to add an Marvel Mystery oil.

I’d have to agree here. However, it is a more harsh fuel and any extra care can’t hurt. I do believe that adding oil isn’t the best option… as Mark stated. Oil has a lower flash point than fuel and will aid in inducing detonation. As stated a different engine oil, one designed for use with Ethanol, is advised.

E85 is NOT Alcohol. You burn a steel/copper head gasket with alcohol and you burn and melt the head (I MEAN CRATERS DEEP WORTH OF MELTING BOTH STEEL AND ALUM HEADS AND BLOCKS) You will not do this on e85 or E98.

Ethanol chemically is a straight-chain alcohol. It is also known as ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol. We happen to use it as a fuel too.
When you state “Alcohol” I believe you are referring to Methanol… another form of alcohol. Methyl alcohol or Methanol is what “Top Alcohol” drag cars run and is chemically the simplest alcohol there is which is why some in racing use the term “Alcohol”. Don’t drink this type of Alcohol :)

Both Ethanol and Methanol are considered Alcohol fuels.

Both are capable of the destruction to engines you speak of under heavy detonation if the tune is wrong. We refer to it as "torching" the head or block because it resembles what a cutting tourch might do. The good news is the fuel is much much more forgiving than gasoline to an improper tune. It takes a lot of cylinder pressure (boost and compression), and a very far off tune up to lead to destruction of that magnitude.

So much Bs with this fuel its funny....

Have to totally agree here… most do not know about or how to run any of the alcohol fuels correctly. I’m lucky to have started in pro drag racing running methanol on turbo fuel injected engines 10 years ago. It’s like anything else in life… can’t beat seat time.


Not trying to be confrontational, just wanting to clarify a few points

Cheers
 
Hi Fast Freddy... I replied here
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php?23526-Fubar-s-GT-Build&p=296810#post296810

Seemed like a better place to put the answer since it applies to Mark's build too

awesome answer there :cool

i run a 100 dry shot on my camaro and a 40 dry shot on my drag bike. i would like to run a 150 dry shot on my GT someday. 300 is a lil much for me, lol :eek

i like that nitrous is compatible with ethanol and methanol though, so i may just change out the gas tank someday to run these fuels instead of race gas....
 
Hi BMF,




The GT tank is confirmed to have components in it that are not compatible with ethanol. It was not tested but is not necessary to be tested since the component materials are known and are confirmed to not be satisfactorily compatible with ethanol.

No known or no perceived problems is not “NO” problems. Incompatibility is incompatibility and over time will affect the vehicle. Lower percentages of alcohol and less time in the tank will slow this process; however, over time it will affect the incompatible parts and most likely lead to a failure at some point. It all obviously depends on how vital that said part that fails is. Is it a tank lining that fails coming off and slowly over times clogs the injectors leading to a failed engine… is it a fuel line that rots from the inside out leading to a rupture and a fuel fire… is it simply an o-ring that slightly swells and never really causes a problem? As stated, each vehicle is different. It’s the owner’s/shop’s responsibility to make sure said modifications are compatible in areas of concern.



I’d have to agree here. However, it is a more harsh fuel and any extra care can’t hurt. I do believe that adding oil isn’t the best option… as Mark stated. Oil has a lower flash point than fuel and will aid in inducing detonation. As stated a different engine oil, one designed for use with Ethanol, is advised.



Ethanol chemically is a straight-chain alcohol. It is also known as ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol. We happen to use it as a fuel too.
When you state “Alcohol” I believe you are referring to Methanol… another form of alcohol. Methyl alcohol or Methanol is what “Top Alcohol” drag cars run and is chemically the simplest alcohol there is which is why some in racing use the term “Alcohol”. Don’t drink this type of Alcohol :)

Both Ethanol and Methanol are considered Alcohol fuels.

Both are capable of the destruction to engines you speak of under heavy detonation if the tune is wrong. We refer to it as "torching" the head or block because it resembles what a cutting tourch might do. The good news is the fuel is much much more forgiving than gasoline to an improper tune. It takes a lot of cylinder pressure (boost and compression), and a very far off tune up to lead to destruction of that magnitude.



Have to totally agree here… most do not know about or how to run any of the alcohol fuels correctly. I’m lucky to have started in pro drag racing running methanol on turbo fuel injected engines 10 years ago. It’s like anything else in life… can’t beat seat time.


Not trying to be confrontational, just wanting to clarify a few points

Cheers

Gotcha:)
 
motec, check your pm.
 
 

Great news!

Now if only the judge will outlaw CARB and disband it.
 
I occasionally use E 85 in my Raptor. My mileage goes way down and the cost is only a minimal savings, so I think it is more economical to use pump gas.
 
MoTeC Magic-

Thank you sir for your clear, articulate and factually based posts. I certainly saw nothing controversial about any of your discussion.

It is refreshing indeed to have such a well developed post without conjecture, opinion or hearsay.

Please continue to help us GT owners with this topic which abounds with false truths and basic misunderstanding by many.

And I certainly also appreciate your spelling and grammar. Very professionally done!
 
Great news!

Now if only the judge will outlaw CARB and disband it.

Boy would that be nice!
 
MoTeC Magic-

Thank you sir for your clear, articulate and factually based posts. I certainly saw nothing controversial about any of your discussion.

It is refreshing indeed to have such a well developed post without conjecture, opinion or hearsay.

Please continue to help us GT owners with this topic which abounds with false truths and basic misunderstanding by many.

And I certainly also appreciate your spelling and grammar. Very professionally done!

Thanks,

Just trying to help... it's a great car and a great group of owners, glad to be of some sort of assistance.
I personally think that upgrading the fuel system, especially to other alch based fuels, is the most challenging upgrade for a GT. At least to be done cleanly and professionally. Anything on the subject I find intriguing.

As for spelling/grammar... that's my worst talent.... spell check makes me look better than I am! :biggrin

Cheers