Flex fuel in a multi-Fuel...? - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

islandguydon · 11-09-2011, 08:24

As read in the TM for a multi-fuel and all the fuels acceptable for the engine there was no mention of alcohol/ flex fuel as an approved fuel. I had a mishap a few months ago with a 6.2 and flex-fuel. I drained that out and there has been no problems since. The Flex-fuel around here is $1.28 cheaper than diesel and would like to use it if it is acceptable.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

gimpyrobb · 11-09-2011, 08:26

I'm not sure what "flex fuel" is, but if its closer to gas than diesel, I wouldn't run it by itself. You want oil in there to lube the IP and stuff.

islandguydon · 11-09-2011, 08:34

Thanks Gimp,

It is 80% alcohol, I always add motor oil anyways so the lubricating properties should be there. Just thought I would throw it out there..

dittle · 11-09-2011, 08:42

If I remember correctly per the TM gas is to not be used as a daily fuel source even though it is a multi-fuel. Gas was supposed to be an option if regular diesel wasn't available. You are supposed to keep it blended due to no lubrication in gas like Gimp pointed out. Also remember that E85 (not called flex fuel) burns hotter than normal gasoline due but that it gets less power than standard gas. Don't know how the rings would like burning it, but you would want to blend the heck out of it as it would be very very dry with the higher alcohol content.

swbradley1 · 11-09-2011, 08:45

I might use E85 (85% Ethanol) with Diesel or WMO but I sure would not run it alone.

I too add up to a gallon of new motor oil every time I fill up the Deuce.

patracy · 11-09-2011, 08:48

Bad idea, Alcohol is hygroscopic. Water isn't a friend of diesel injection systems.

SCSG-G4 · 11-09-2011, 08:48

Don,

You have some rubber seals, hoses and O rings in the system. Make sure they are compatible with the alcohol. And remember the flex fuel does not have anywhere the power per cc (quart, gallon or any other liquid measure) as diesel.

dozer1 · 11-09-2011, 13:20

I am one of the few guys on here that doesn't blame ethanol instantly for everything that ever went wrong with anything. I like to try and get to the root of problems and not just fingerpoint at something because it is convenient. Still, I would avoid it in a deuce if for no other reason it has a high octane level comparable to AV gas. Biodiesel would be much more compatible with a deuce it would seem. As mentioned in another thread by a poster, biodiesel tends to clean the fuel system. It is a solvent. That is a mixed blessing. It can break down deposits in your tank that otherwise would have just sat there forever. This crap will then plug your fuel filters. Expect to plug a few before it is all out of the system. Then you have a nice clean fuel system. As mentioned before, it will gel up easier too. Up here in the northland, I would avoid it in the coldest months if possible, or see if some additive is out there to prevent that....good luck

hklvette · 11-09-2011, 13:57

E85 will probably not work in a deuce in any appreciable quantity. Its effective octane is so high (100+) that its doubtful that it would reliably ignite in the chamber. The high octane is why people with turbo-powered cars can tune for it and make more power than on 93 octane.

As was already mentioned, the alcohol will probably do some pretty bad things to the remainder of the fuel system as well.

Ferroequinologist · 11-09-2011, 14:37

I got a tank of E85 way back when with my first M35. They had just started offering it in town and it was cheap.

Even mixed with lots of WMO, it ran like crap. NO power, smoked, and might have been coincidence, but shortly there after I had two fuel lines start leaking bad.