flathead vs. E85

[41/53dodges]

has anybody tried running their engine on ethanol? the stuff is supposed to be really hard on rubber components, but i dont think we have much of that anyways. i would think it might need different timing, maybe carb jets, etc.

[Dave72dt]

Well, you have components in the fuel pump like check valves and diaphragms that are rubber based, needle valves in the carb with rubber tips unless they have been rebuilt with alcohol tolerant kits. You may find a need to rejet the carb. Far as what I've heard, E85 produces less power and less miles per gallon than the ethanol blends we're used to running.

[austinsailor]

when we were kids my brother and I decided we would hop up our mopeds by running alcohol. Ran like a striped a-- ape until they siezed due to the oil not mixing right (2 cycle).

We used the rest up in the lawn mower. Had to run the adjustment all the way out to run, but they idled at about 2000 rpm, and sucked that alky down real fast, but they cut like a brush hog!

I think the whole thing needs to be designed to run it or it's not going to be real practical. If you come across a drum of it real cheap it might be a fun experiment, but if economy is your goal I don't think the results will be real good.

Keep us posted if you try it.

[JBNeal]

E85 will fry the fuel level sending unit first, as the windings in the variable resistor will rapidly corrode. Next to go will be the fuel pump diaphragm (mechanical or electrical), followed by the carburetor getting fouled up from either the needle valve or step-up piston. Fuel economy will drop off by 50% or more compared to unleaded. And the crankcase oil will eventually turn to goo. E85 is not a good idea in the flatheads cuz the costs are a wee but on the high side.

[dodgebrice]

With the old trucks you should update the fuel system (carb, lines, and pump) with E85 compliant parts (new rubber). It will decrease mileage because it takes more fuel for same amount of power, but would be good if you rebuild and raise compression, due to higher octane rating.