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Flex Fuel
- Thread starter XYnurse
- Start date
MaxPF
AGNTSA
- Messages
- 1,394
- Location
- The dark side of the globe
The flex fuel engine itself is no different from a non-flex-fuel engine. Only difference is injectors and a fuel sensor. Why would you think it is "junk"?
4speedfunk
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 4,250
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- Tardville
Actually...of all the parts & components on the H3, I would rate the 5.3 motor way above the rest of the vehicle.
Flex fuel is mostly a marketing campaign. Putting "Green" badges on a vehicle is really just an attempt to gain market share. It opens the door to the tree-hugger demographic. Too little too late, IMO.
Flex fuel is mostly a marketing campaign. Putting "Green" badges on a vehicle is really just an attempt to gain market share. It opens the door to the tree-hugger demographic. Too little too late, IMO.
MaxPF
AGNTSA
- Messages
- 1,394
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- The dark side of the globe
I won't even go into the rant on how ethanol is an energy loser - it takes more energy to make ethanol than the ethanol itself nets as a fuel. If not for heavy government subsidies, ethanol blend fuels would not exist.
Ironically, taking all of the waste biomatter from crop production (stalks, stems, roots, etc. basically, the majority of each plant that we can't use as food) and converting it to synthetic crude via thermal depolymerization would net an energy gain. However, the resulting fuel after refining would be regular ol' gasoline (or diesel, jet fuel, etc.), which doesn't have the green chic of ethanol. Never mind that the overall carbon emissions would be lower. As they say in the news business, "follow the money trail"...
Ironically, taking all of the waste biomatter from crop production (stalks, stems, roots, etc. basically, the majority of each plant that we can't use as food) and converting it to synthetic crude via thermal depolymerization would net an energy gain. However, the resulting fuel after refining would be regular ol' gasoline (or diesel, jet fuel, etc.), which doesn't have the green chic of ethanol. Never mind that the overall carbon emissions would be lower. As they say in the news business, "follow the money trail"...
f5moab
Mr. Beretta
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- In hiding.....
I believe after 2009 or maybe 2010, the fuel sensor was removed from the system, with the computer determining fuel usage through measured adjustments. These adjustments are based on readings from the O2 sensors, fuel level sensors and other sensors, and the ECM then adjusts the injector ON time, timing, ect., for the type of fuel used.
Intake and exhaust valve seat material was revised for improved high mileage durability on E85 fuel. Additionally, the intake valve material was also revised for compatibility with the new seats. Entire fuel system from tank to injectors uses material that is not screwed up by the corrosive problem related to alcohol in the fuel.
Like others have said, don't use it. But you will be happy to know if you have to use E15 at least this engine/fuel system combo will have no problems with E15; whereas, other engine/systems out there MIGHT (no one knows for sure, they are still testing).
Intake and exhaust valve seat material was revised for improved high mileage durability on E85 fuel. Additionally, the intake valve material was also revised for compatibility with the new seats. Entire fuel system from tank to injectors uses material that is not screwed up by the corrosive problem related to alcohol in the fuel.
Like others have said, don't use it. But you will be happy to know if you have to use E15 at least this engine/fuel system combo will have no problems with E15; whereas, other engine/systems out there MIGHT (no one knows for sure, they are still testing).
Does the flex fuel engine have any downsides to it? Can I still use regular 85 octane and still be good? Are aftermarket parts (such as intake, exhaust, chips, etc.) still compatible with the flex fuel engine or does the different fuel system cause problems? Obviously my ignorance is shining through on this matter and I apologize.
Thank you all for your help!
Thank you all for your help!
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f5moab
Mr. Beretta
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There is NO downside to this engine. Not sure on the 85 octane, but you can use 87 with no problem. You might be able to use 85 but since I have a I5 I cannot say for sure. I'm sure someone will jump in and let you know about E85 (my personal guess is Yes, it should cause no problems).
Most of the fuel system (minus the injectors and some other small parts that differentiate the V8 from the I5) are the same between all H3s. Some internal cylinder head parts are different for non-E85 vs. E85 engines, but you won't notice a difference unless rebuilding the heads and then it is normal to order parts just for that particular head. As for aftermarket chips/programmers, etc., I cannot speak for, but I would hope they programmed their parts for this engine.
Most of the fuel system (minus the injectors and some other small parts that differentiate the V8 from the I5) are the same between all H3s. Some internal cylinder head parts are different for non-E85 vs. E85 engines, but you won't notice a difference unless rebuilding the heads and then it is normal to order parts just for that particular head. As for aftermarket chips/programmers, etc., I cannot speak for, but I would hope they programmed their parts for this engine.
Firesquirt
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 46
- Location
- La Quinta Ca.
You can use a flex fuel vehicle the same as the non flex vehicle including Octane available ( I think e-85 has the lowest octane, but I might be wrong), only you have the option of using the E-85 fuel . when you buy parts just tell the person at the counter it is the Flex fuel version and if there is a difference it will show up, but mostly not unless it is a part that the fuel actually goes through i.e filter, injector pump.