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Does E85 gel in the winter?

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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 07:55 AM
  #11  
gpsman1's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,616
From: All over the Central U.S.
Default Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?

Originally Posted by spinner
What? You're not alluding to weird numbers, now, are you?
No. But thanks for the interesting post. I enjoy trivia like that.


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
 
Old Feb 6, 2008 | 08:08 AM
  #12  
bwilson4web's Avatar
Engineering first
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,613
From: Huntsville, AL
Talking Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?

Originally Posted by gpsman1
. . .
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.
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
 
Old Feb 6, 2008 | 01:39 PM
  #13  
MiaTurbo's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 95
Default Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?

Originally Posted by gpsman1
No. But thanks for the interesting post. I enjoy trivia like that.


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
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...
 
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 03:29 PM
  #14  
gpsman1's Avatar
Hybrid and Ethanol Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,616
From: All over the Central U.S.
Default 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
 
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 10:44 AM
  #15  
Tim K's Avatar
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 881
From: Philadelphia, PA
Default Re: Does E85 gel in the winter?

Originally Posted by MiaTurbo
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...
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.
 

Last edited by Tim K; Feb 11, 2008 at 10:51 AM.
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