Burning E85

[TRLRTRSH]

Hey guys, I'm running a Weber two barrel carb on the Suzuki Samurai, I'm wondering if by adjusting the air/fuel mixture knob E-85 would be OK? Or is there more to it than that? Timing, hotter plugs?

The Samurai is my desert car and seldom goes over 55 mph so a lack of a few horsepower is not a concern, heck the little thing hardly goes over 65 with a good tailwind:-laf:-laf E-85 was going for 3. 29 in town the other day and regular today was 3. 79 When you are retired every penny helps, and . 50 cents a gallon is a lot.

Any ideas?

 

[Little Bill]

Can be done but it won't be a 'dual fuel' friendly. You need to upgrade rubber components of the fuel system and perhaps some of the plastic components. You will need to re-jet the carb with bigger jets because of the lower energy content in E85 (this is the part where it isn't dual fuel friendly). This will likely wipe out all the savings because your MPG will drop significantly. 25-30% MPG reduction is what most people are reporting. Cold weather starting could be an issue, too. Ethanol doesn't vaporize in the intake manifold as well as gas, even under the vacuum imposed by full choke. This may require a fuel preheater or intake air heater to overcome if it gets cold where you are.

Perhaps a motor transplant would get you to a better place while providing some entertainment. I don't know anything about these guys but I appreciate their upfront honesty with regard to pricing, engine selection and support. Personally, I love the early 1980's normally aspirated 4 cylinder diesels. You had to pedal like h*ell to get to get them to 60 mph but you could get 50 mpg all day long.
Suzuki conversions

 

[JDiepstra]

What he said. That stuff tears up fuel systems not designed for it, and will rob you of power.

 

[betterthanstock]

Arizona has the lowest cost for natural gas. (I read it was less than $1/gal equivalent) Convert to that. Takes a special carburetor. And a CNG tank. Talk to forklift guys for info.





On Edit: OOPS sorry. That's Utah.



CNG stations and Prices for the US, Canada and Europe



See this:Green Car Congress: Utah Governor Converting to Natural Gas Vehicle; More Vehicles May Follow

 

[Hoefler]

I would not do it. Less performance, less mileage, less power, plus it will eat your fuel system. Carburetors are not designed to run on E85. It will destroy most of the plastic and rubber components in the system. Fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel filler lines, fuel level float, etc. . to name a few. I have seen many problems in boats when the owners try to save a penny.

 

[TRLRTRSH]

OH well can that idea