So today, my girlfriend borrowed my car. I knew it needed gas, so I gave her $45 to fill the tank (Gas is about $3.27 a gallon here and I was pretty low). She brings the car back full and gives me $10 change. When I looked very puzzled she replied "I found a gas station with gas for $2.82 a gallon." I asked where (as I was going to fill my truck for that cheap!) and she replied "Meijer.." I realized almost immedatly she had put E85 into my STOCK 2200 SFI Sunfire. The car is running fine, no CEL and it actually seems happier on the E85. (Better idle and less hesitant at takeoff) It also seems to drive at lower RPMs. Normally at 70 MPH on the expressway, I am at 3300ish RPM (yep... its a 3speed auto). Now I am at less than 3000.
My question - what damage if any - can be caused by this error. I have heard mixed things about E85s corrosive properties and also about it being OK to run. So should I be concerned?
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It has a higher octane than gasoline (94-96). That means that it may run a little hotter(nothing to worry about), and potentially pop a check engine code. Almost all cars from the late 80's and up are designed to resist the corrosive nature of Alcohol. You will see a drop in mpg because ethanol does not produce as much energy compared to gas. (80% the energy as gasoline) If it is running fine, then I would not worry. I kinda want to fill up and see if my Cav will throw a fit or not. lol. I personally would not keep running 8-85 though. Just to stay on the safe side.
Lol well first off, slap her and tell her to pay attention next time.
Ok, just kidding. It should not be a issue, but it may set a CE light. Just burn through the whole tank, get it as low as possible and refill with regular gas. May even want to fill up with some premium just to clean it out. After that a few WOT runs on the eway should clear it out. Just have the CE light reset if it does throw one, and you should be fine. Goodluck man.
Well - after 240 miles the tank is empty. No CEL came on at any point and the only real problem I had was with starting the car in the cold... it just didn't want to go. Its full of some 93 right now and still OK. I told her next time she fills the car, avoid any gas pumps that have bright yellow handles...
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Good to hear that it didnt give you any issues lol your girl is lucky tho, I think I would have blew a gasket lol
My mother borrowed my car a few years ago and put it in my car, the check engine light did come on. The car was filled with regular gas with no ethanol in it to dilute it and the code cleared. Car ran fine with it too and smells very sweet smelling. You shouldn't have to worry about it.
Later
Redrider02
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