A friend of mine knows I am decent with engine topics/knowledge and came to me with an interesting question this morning. His wife put roughly 20 gallons of E85 in their non flex fuel 2013 Ford Expedition (forgot to ask if it was the V8 or Ecoboost). He was concerned if he needed to drop the tank, etc.
My summary was that he would most likely get a check engine light from the fuel trims going way too rich to compensate. He might notice hard starting/rough idle, especially in cold weather. I advised him to just drive it gently and keep topping it off with non-alcoholic gas as often as possible, but to keep driving it often to get it worked out as quickly as possible. I didn't see any reason to drop the tank, or worry any further, and simply clear the codes once he has the corn-fuel worked out of it.
Did I miss anything else I should mention to him?
My summary was that he would most likely get a check engine light from the fuel trims going way too rich to compensate. He might notice hard starting/rough idle, especially in cold weather. I advised him to just drive it gently and keep topping it off with non-alcoholic gas as often as possible, but to keep driving it often to get it worked out as quickly as possible. I didn't see any reason to drop the tank, or worry any further, and simply clear the codes once he has the corn-fuel worked out of it.
Did I miss anything else I should mention to him?