Any advice using flex fuel? I’m concerned

[Corrin Brannon]

I recently learned that my 2000 3L ford ranger is a flex fuel model, it has the vin and the sticker on the back, currently flex fuel is around 1.20 a gallon near me and looking very inviting, that being said I’m worried because I’ve never used anything but gasoline and all the lines are old plus I don’t want to destroy my engine somehow, has anyone who runs flex had any issues?

 

[franklin2]

I start out by saying I have never run flex fuel. But from what I know about it, if I could I do not think I would be hip on using it. Your fuel mileage is already down with the 10% stuff that is the normal 87. With even more ethanol in the flex, it's going to be even worse.

But if your truck is made to run it, I do not see why you could not try it. I am kind of curious if you did try it, what your fuel mileage would be and if it would even be worth the cost difference.

 

[Uncle Gump]

$1.20 a gallon... that's about 1/4 the cost of unleaded here.

You could lose 1/2 your fuel economy and still be ahead.

 

[fastpakr]

Same - at that price I’d try it in a heartbeat. On paper you should lose 25-30% range but it would totally be worth it.

 

[bills4065]

I agree with everyone else, I would give it a try.

 

[stmitch]

The alcohol will clean the heck out of everything it touches. Sometimes too much too quickly will clog injectors with dirt and sludge that has built up over time.
Because of that, I'd phase the e85 in slowly. Start with 1/3 tank+2/3 regular unleaded. Next fill up go half and half. Then 3/4 E85 + 1/4 Regular unleaded. Then 100% e85.

The drop in fuel economy really isn't terrible most of the time, and you should see a bit of a power bump too.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The drop in fuel economy really isn't terrible most of the time, and you should see a bit of a power bump too.

Comparing apples to potatoes but my 5.0 Coyote takes a hit to power with E85 and it can play with a lot more things than a 3.0 can.

 

[Blmpkn]

I can't imagine there would be any power bump without a remap to maximize..

 

[franklin2]

I can't imagine there would be any power bump without a remap to maximize..

I think it's supposed to recognize the different fuel and automatically adjust the fueling tables to match.

If you run it everyday it may do fine. I just see everything wrong with the 10% fuel being multiplied. You hear all kinds of rumors, one I have heard is that it like to separate out when it sits around. Of course the 10% does do that, takes a couple of months. Not sure how long it would take the E85 to degrade.