E85 Experiment

[another Todd]

Originally Posted by DriveHard
Originally Posted by Rand
E85 is usually somewhere between 51-83% ethanol. in the winter more "gas" is used.


not in Iowa...I believe we have a state mandated minimum of 70% year round.


Perhaps, but Iowa also sells zero ethanol gas at most stations I visited when there. I never saw anybody buying anything but straight gasoline without ethanol. I filled up my cans with straight gas while I was there for sure, but my truck is diesel so no help there.

 

[kstanf150]

Finished my first tank
Lost 1/2 mile to the gallon
Not terrible, since E85 works out to be around 108 octane and in my area is $.90 cheaper than 93 octane and .25 less than 87
Not a bad deal

 

[TiredTrucker]

Originally Posted by another Todd

Perhaps, but Iowa also sells zero ethanol gas at most stations I visited when there. I never saw anybody buying anything but straight gasoline without ethanol. I filled up my cans with straight gas while I was there for sure, but my truck is diesel so no help there.


Yes indeed. Iowa sells E0 at most stations, as do several other states. You might not have seen anyone buying anything other than straight gasoline, but that is a matter of perception. E10 out sells E0 by a a healthy margin in Iowa. Then there is also E15, E20, E30, E50, and E85. I do get E0 for my small engine needs, but all the fuel I buy for my vehicles has some ethanol in it. I am not going to pay the inflated prices for E0 in any of my vehicles. My paranoia gland regarding ethanol is well under control. Been using E10 since the late 70's and more so E30 - E85 most of this century in my vehicles and have never had a fuel related problem. I do like that there is a choice here in Iowa. At least we have got hired help in the state capital that haven't totally lost their mind.