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View Full Version : Anyone run E85


CompKing
10-08-2002, 05:25 PM
Has anyone ever tried to retune to run E85 in a outboard?Not planing on it just wondering,cheap,avalible and high octane.
Rickracer
10-08-2002, 05:29 PM
I read a post or two from Nosub about using it in something. :cool:
CompKing
10-08-2002, 05:36 PM
E85 is 85% alcohol and 15% gas alot of the new cars can run it and alot of places have it.The cars automaticly adjust for it.
Rickracer
10-08-2002, 05:49 PM
I wonder how hygroscopic it is? One major problem I have with the idea of alcohol is that it so readily attracts moisture. :cool:
CompKing
10-10-2002, 04:59 PM
Didn't think I would get alot of input on this one but like Rickracer I thought I saw someone talk about trying it and got me thinking.Like Rick said it atracts water and one of the big problems in automotive use is it makes alot more water as part of the combustion cycle and need special oils.
aircraftman
10-11-2002, 04:43 PM
much cheaper? twice as much alky needed compared to gas to power the vehicle.
CompKing
10-11-2002, 05:15 PM
Its only about .20 less that 87 but it got a octane around 100 so compared to high octane 1/2-1/4 the cost.I'm sure there are alot of problem with using it but thought I saw someone talking about it here so I got curious.I see a lot of guys at the track using ethynol or methynol in the cars but didn't know if anyone uses it in boats.Need one of you guys with all the money to blowup a few motors and figure it out for us poor people:D :D :D
BarryStrawn
10-11-2002, 05:48 PM
I think it was either a Merc Drag or 280 that Nosubforcid mentioned as a project he had to convert for E-85.

If my memory is right, low tech "straight" ethanol is about 10% water and needs to run about 20% richer than gasoline. I knew some farmers that made their own. It worked OK but they all decided it cost too much to make. Where it is available, I think E-85 is subsidized to keep the price down. Bet I know what will happen if it catches on.