e85 and Oil - How they mix

sdfontanini · Jun 9, 2009, 08:48 AM

Thought this was interesting....

As some of you guys might already know, e85 reacts much differently with our oil than standard 91 pump gas. When the two are mixed it creates a very sticky residue like tar that can cause some issues down the road if not properly treated. My goal here is to look for ways to clean our engines from this tar build up I'm seeing in our intake manifolds, injectors, valve chambers, etc.

Recently I had to clean out my bank 1 injector cause I was having cold starting issues. I noticed my injectors were gumming up with this oil and e85 build up. Once I cleaned the injectors startup greatly improved. Left untreated I ran the chance of running really lean in bank 1. This is due to the PCV valve recirculating the oil back down to the block which passes right by injector 1 and causes the oil and e85 to mix and create this gummy residue

I have since installed a catch can on my PCV side which I hope eliminates this issue completely.

sdfontanini · Jun 9, 2009, 09:01 AM

Also wanted to mention I ran some BG44K through my system and seemed like it improved my cold starts a bit. Not sure how this mixes with the e85, and was wondering if there's a better fuel cleaner to use for e85 Thanks

ohhgyeahfasho · Jun 9, 2009, 09:05 AM

cant see the pic..

sdfontanini · Jun 9, 2009, 09:19 AM

fixed

logic · Jun 9, 2009, 01:14 PM

Here's a direct link to the question on Mobil's site, if anyone's curious.

sdfontanini · Jun 9, 2009, 01:36 PM

Any thoughts on using a different oil for e85 ....

Anyone...

skiracer · Jun 9, 2009, 03:34 PM

Here's a thread of someone who did oil analysis on his E85 Evo with multiple samples. Results start around page 3, but looks good:
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=64878.0

lan_evo_mr9 · Jun 9, 2009, 06:32 PM

I use 2 catch cans- one to the intake tube going to the turbo (which never has any oil in it) and the other coming from the PCV valve to the intake manifold (which I empty every 2-3 oil changes). When I empty it I am able to fill a little styrafome(sp?) cup about half way or a little more. When I was running gas, it was just straight oil that came out of it. Now that I switched to E85, it looks like creamy mud. I highly recommend a catch can to anyone running E85.

DBallz · Jun 9, 2009, 06:44 PM

Just use this oil http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/sso.aspx

apagan01 · Jun 9, 2009, 09:33 PM

our AMSOIL racing oil or our ATM 10w30 are designed to wistand harsh fuels like these.

sdfontanini · Jun 10, 2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apagan01

our AMSOIL racing oil or our ATM 10w30 are designed to wistand harsh fuels like these.

Can you explain in a little more detail how they're designed for e85, do you have any addition info...

I use 5w30 in my engine, not sure 10w is going to work for my Evo

dan l · Jun 10, 2009, 05:34 PM

Shell Rotella T. They also sell a 5w/40 blend that I've been using in my evo and so has my friend with great results. The oil analysis showed that it is fine on E85 and is a great oil. The regular Rotella T has kept the bearings in the high mileage DSM's that my friends and I race.

fixem2 · Jun 10, 2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdfontanini

Can you explain in a little more detail how they're designed for e85, do you have any addition info...

I use 5w30 in my engine, not sure 10w is going to work for my Evo

The SSO is 0W-30, but works in most 5W and 10W applications. Very nice stuff and works well with E85 or pump. Easily go 5k miles without worry.

I use the RD-20 Race DOminator oil and love it. I need to get an analysis done to see how it is looking.

Taimur · Aug 9, 2009, 03:24 PM

I've been using Mobil1 15W-50 on a built motor and after 400 miles of driving I see 1/4 of a quart increase in the oil. Oil looks and smells fine.

Has anyone else noticed their oil level increase when running E85?

Green Meanie · Aug 12, 2009, 07:49 PM

So Shell Rotella T 5W 40, AMSOIL's 10W 30 racing oil,,,,whats the best oil to combat the sludge build up.