I realize this topic may have been talked about previously but I hate digging through old posts. I would like my '49 M to run on E85 after I complete its current restoration. Is there any need for carb modifications or other changes I should be aware of? Some people have claimed they can run E85 without any changes at all while others say they had to make changes.
- Thread starter rbower
- Start date
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
Treat the E85 as dual fuel- start gasoline and switch when warm. IHC had some alky burners in 30s for a couple limited markets- Cuba was one using some ethanol, a couple industrial users around dock areas also used ethanol mixes for safety reasons, less explosive risk and fires could be doused with water. If you're in Minnesota where E85 is becoming more common- consider the highest compression pistons available. Extra fuel filter in line also helpfull, clean fuel tank good and watch carb for leakage, check oil. Gasket and seals in fuel system are main concern. RN
Steven f/AZ
Well-known Member
Higher compression ratio will help alot to take advantage of the higher octane rating of E85...
You may have to drill out the main jet to get enough fuel at full throttle/full power. E85 has lower energy content per gallon so you need to get more fuel through than gasoline.
NO RUBBER in the fuel system - has to be E85 compatible. Some needle/seat had rubber tip that would be eaten away by the alcohol.
Keep the fuel tank full to minimize condensation as alcohol will absorb water and cause problems. Will also clean out any rust, etc.
You may have to drill out the main jet to get enough fuel at full throttle/full power. E85 has lower energy content per gallon so you need to get more fuel through than gasoline.
NO RUBBER in the fuel system - has to be E85 compatible. Some needle/seat had rubber tip that would be eaten away by the alcohol.
Keep the fuel tank full to minimize condensation as alcohol will absorb water and cause problems. Will also clean out any rust, etc.
rustyfarmall
Well-known Member
I've been using E-10 with no problems and NO adjustments. Don't know why E-85 wouldn't work also, but you may need to make provisions to deliver a little more of it to the engine. I'm seriously considering trying it myself.
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
I have E-85 in a hand crank D John Deere. It starts and runs very good on the stuff. I did open the load screw about 1/2 turn or so. It's priced at 2.75 per gallon compared to 3.59 for ethanol.
onefarmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- 6735 S Lowell Rd, St Johns, Mi 48879
I ran E-85 in my M all last summer and had no problems at all. I did need to richen up the mixture at the carb both idle and highspeed screws. I didn't see where it cleaned out any extra crud either.
In South Carolina in an attempt to keep down gas prices our state government in there wisdom has voted to add up to 10% ethanol to our gas, so all that we buy is at least E10. The only problem I saw was on a TO 30 Fergerson I have and that was because of a rubber fuel line. My SA has given me no problems at all.
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
And when did this happen? I only know of one local station that has it posted on the pumps. Seems if it was mandatory we have E10, then it would be on all of the pumps. HAvent seen it on any pumps along the coast either, nor at any SC side border stations.
sammy the RED
Well-known Member
The following areas do not NOT require ethanol/alcohol pump labeling:
District of Columbia , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maryland , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri, Nevada , New Jersey , North Carolina , Ohio , Oklahoma
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
You may want to run a lighter oil on E-85. I read that this may help since the fuel is so dry a lighter oil might let a little more lube up in the upper cylinder.
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