Quote:
Originally Posted by gpsman1
Martin, I'm not sure what you are asking.
I started this thread, and yes, I implied there is a problem with the gas sold at most retail pumps.
10% ethanol is the worst possible fuel you can put into your car.
CA uses 5.75% which is not as bad, but plans to go to 10% soon I think.
Your MPG will go down with 10% ethanol, and your cost per mile will go up.
With about 25% to 30% ethanol, your MPG will still be lower than plain gas, but at this point you pass the "tipping point" and your cost per mile actually is less than pure gasoline, and way better than 10% ethanol.
THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD BLEND YOUR OWN FUEL.
BTW, today I got an E85 injector kit for my car as well. It has a 30 day return policy, so I can return it if it is no use to me. Basically, it tells the car the injectors are running normally, but in reality, they are being driven harder to compensate for the ethanol. So this keeps the computer happy and the check engine lamp off. The car does adjust the fuel, not the add on box, the add on box basically just keeps the check engine lamp off. I haven't tried it, but I think if having a check engine lamp on all the time does not bother you, you could use E85 without the "box". I've only had it in place for about 20 miles, but just based on what it does, it is a very simple device.
P.S. Martin, the manufacturer of my E85 box says the Prius is perhaps the most common adapter sold.
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If my wife and I were to have a prenuptial agreement it would have a clause that I never pick up a tool, except maybe to pack my bike. So, whatever the advantage of E85, it is beyond my ability to deal with it. Unless I can buy it at the pump, I'll have to use whatever is available.
I do admire your ability to deal with the problem and reach a satisfactory result and conclusion, which is to change the injectors in your car.
When I was in the midwest last summer I used whatever was available as regular. The result was best overall mpg of the year bringing the Prius up to 50 mpg (now at 49 - probably from cooler weather). I'll be back this year, starting in Kansas in June and working my way east.
It is interesting 10% ethanol is the maximum allowed in the Prius. One wonders where that value came from.
Anyway, your research is interesting.