is bad mpg really from ethanol??

[frat guy]

some dude told me that my bad mpg was from the new ethanol that colorado put in its gas this Nov. i did start seeing a drop in my mpg around this time. but i asked if california did the same thing and he said yes, and i live in CA. i had never noticed this....what do you guys have to say on this????

 

[Alec]

When I was driving cross country I consistently noticed at least a 1-2 mpg difference everytime I switched to and from oxygenated or ethanol fuel.

 

[Msupertek]

Ford Certified Technician

Believe it or not I am not only Ford and ASE master certified but I am certified in Alternative fuels as well. While I am not familiar with what goes on in other states as far as fuel, I do know for a fact that ethanol is not as efficient as regular gasoline, and will cause decreased fuel economy. However ethanol will enhance horse power and the engines ability to get it. It is heavier than gasoline, also flex fuel vehicles use some different types of materials to make the fuels lines more durable because of some of ethanols corrosive nature. When you purchase your fuel does it say E-80, E-50 or E-20. That determines how much ethanol is mixed with the fuel. The more ethanol contained in your solution the worse fuel mileage you get.

 

[EliteConcept]

now thats intresting!

 

[dogfriend]

If you think about this from an energy density standpoint, it is pretty easy to understand why your mileage would suffer.

Gasoline has a certain amount of energy per gallon (energy / unit volume). Ethanol does not have as much energy per gallon. Therefore, when you mix ethanol(or any other substance with a lower energy density) into gasoline, the mixture will have a lower amount of energy per gallon.

One of the reasons we use gasoline and diesel fuel for cars and trucks is that they have a high energy content per gallon, higher than most other available fuels.

 

[jon42]

Heres some suggestions...Close your hood when you drive. Wind resistance is bad for mileage When you change spark plugs...you gotta remember to put one plug in for each hole...you cant leave any holes empty Run more than 5 psi in the tires If its 4 wheel drive:dont use low range on long trips Pushing the truck often definatly cuts down on reaching for the wallet at the pump. You can get in the truck going down hill(dont forget) Need more tips...dont hesitate to ask....im glad to be of assistance

 

[dogfriend]

How much can I expect to save by closing the hood??

 

[RFR2212]

i notice a difference in ethanol vs non ethanol fuels in my truck...

I know waay back in the day, Riffman did as well.

 

[jon42]

Its computed as such: Wind resistance + the vear factor(or staying on the road factor)= about 3-4 mpg. Happy motoring campers

 

[EliteConcept]

it all makes sense now, one spark plug per hole! thats what i've been doing wrong!

 

[Majisto]

I know that my Taurus is a flex fuel vehicle, so would it benefit more from the ethanol fuel or does it just mean it won't corrode as quickly?

 

[dogfriend]

I think that it means two things:

1. Many of the fuel system parts are designed for running Methanol or Ethanol without causing damage.

2. Engine control systems are designed to be aware of the alcohol in the fuel and adjust some parameters when alcohol is present for better emissions/performance

 

[Msupertek]

Dogfriend said it!

I would definitely agree. If I told ya how the computer can tell you are using ethanol and you understand modern electronics well. You realize they are making the cars where they would almost run on anything you put in the tank (maybe not well but would run). Things have changed in the last 2 years on how Fords determine mixture ratio.

 

[old#7]

I've noticed a very small difference in mpg with ethanol, but in Iowa it's about 2-3 cents cheaper than regular so the cost evens out.

 

[lonestar]

Are we talking about RFG. It sucks and it stinks. They say it suppose to burn a "little" cleaner, but if everyone has to use a "little" more to get there, does it really matter. Next thing, they'll be trying to sell us that left over cooking oil for deisels, like they used for the buses. McDonalds, KFC and Long John's will be in the petro market
If they want to make alternative fuel vehicles thats cool, but keep the gasoline ones the same. I am personally interested in natural gas and hydrogen based fuel cells. The only problem is you can't find that at your local 7/11.