E15 gas in 2004 Ford Ranger 4.0L

[mdiiorio]

Hello,
This might be a silly question but I just want to get some opinions. I’ve been occasionally filling up my 2004 Ford Ranger 4.0L with Unleaded 88 (otherwise known as E15) because it’s a little cheaper and if I’m at a gas station that sells it I figure why not, as it is approved for 2001 and newer vehicles. I have not seen any ill effects or significant changes in gas mileage, but I don’t know too much about it other than that it burns cleaner, has up to 15% ethanol, and is supposedly more environmentally friendly. Opinions?
Thanks Mike

 

[Dirtman]

Most all gasoline now adays is 10% ethanol anyway so I can't see an extra 5% making much difference. Also remember its "UP TO" 15%, it could realistically be alot less. When you add ethanol to your fuel your computer needs to compensate and make the mixture a bit richer but 15% should be within the limits of that. Its only when you get into the stuff like E85 that you need to have a flex fuel or similar system that can adapt to the huge difference in ethanol content. Pretty sure the factory gas cap on my 2009 said "do not use more than 15% ethanol" so I wouldn't go any higher though.

 

[sgtsandman]

I seem to remember Ford putting out a memo not to do it. The alcohol is hard on a fuel system not designed for it. It’s a corrosion and drying of the seals issue.

My 2011 fuel cap is marked not to use more than 10% alcohol content fuel and the manual for my 2019 recommends against it. Honda made the same recommendation when E15 came out. It can damage your fuel system.

 

[fastpakr]

I'd be worried about E85 in a vehicle not designed for it, and if it does a LOT of sitting, then I'd avoid even 15%. But for a true daily driver, I wouldn't spend any time worrying about 10-15%.