Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?
 

No. But thanks for the interesting post. I enjoy trivia like that.
:D

It is "legal" to call a 70% ethanol mixture "E85" in winter... but I (we) don't have proof (yet) that any stations actually do this. Financially, it is a disadvantage for them to do so. ( there's more margin on ethanol than gas right now )

I just ordered a precise 100ml "mixing cylinder" online ( $32 ) and I will start testing the fuel at stations across the corn belt for actual ethanol content, and I will post my findings. Since I travel 9 states regularly, I should get a diverse sample. I will test both E85 and E10.
-John

Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?
 

If you could somehow rig up a gas sample port (or just a long tube to draw a sample,) you could monitor your tank ethanol value and based upon a pump sample, adjust the mix to maintain E30. A little involved but heck, "you might be a hybrid owner . . . "

Bob Wilson

Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?
 

well, I actually did something simple, I actually called the station I go to and asked. he said they use E85 year round. but then he said they add additives to keep it from gelling up in winter?.. so...

Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?
 

E85 only contains 70% ethanol in Minnesota in winter.
I tested it myself, and also confirmed it by calling company HQ of one gas chain. See " How to blend your own fuel" thread.
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...-should-16411/

-John

Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?
 

I don't buy it....and just because a station employee said it doesn't make it any more believable. They probably do use additives but perhaps they are for something else and he is confused. Maybe he is thinking about biodiesel?

Gasoline doesn't gel at those temps. Ethanol doesn't gel at those temps. I can't see why E85 or E70 would.