Community Forum For "Alcohol Can Be A Gas" Readers
2002 Honda Civic
I have been running up to a 50% mix of E-85 in my 2002 Honda Civic. The vehicle is running normal, the mileage is a little less efficient but I am happy that at least I haven't needed to use an ethanol conversion kit.
One issue: The "Check Engine" light came on but went away after I went back to a complete gasoline tank. Dave Blume says it is because the car didn't know how to handle a non-toxic fuel combination.
Since the engine wasn't measuring the right level of "Toxic" gas, it thought something must be wrong with the engine, yet it turns out that the alcohol fuel was too clean for the engine!
Anyone else have this experience?
One issue: The "Check Engine" light came on but went away after I went back to a complete gasoline tank. Dave Blume says it is because the car didn't know how to handle a non-toxic fuel combination.
Since the engine wasn't measuring the right level of "Toxic" gas, it thought something must be wrong with the engine, yet it turns out that the alcohol fuel was too clean for the engine!
Anyone else have this experience?
Views: 1
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Winks on -
Hi Randy,
A few times I was able (because of being in Pittsburgh where there are three pump locations) to run on half e-85. My car at the time, a 93 Olds, suffered a little gas mileage loss but check engine never came on. It just adjusted naturally. Like to be able to do this more often with my 2004 Mercury Sable. There was a piece in the press about Germany and biofuels, saying the cars just can't handle the ethanol.
This sure is f---ing stupid.
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Germany_drops_plan_for_auto_bio...
Mike -
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Permalink Reply by Randy on
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I hear you Mike.
Reality always prevails - once it hurts bad enough. People will experiment when they are desperate for fuel. -
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Permalink Reply by Nathan Campbell on -
Your check engine light is coming on because it is "running lean". Nothing is wrong with it. The computer just doesn't expect to have to add more fuel each time because that is how it is programed. The computer can make the adjustments but the check engine comes on because it is adjusting the fuel trip more then it "thinks" it should. I've read that 2002 civics can actually handle 100% E85 but power will suffer a little. The check engine light won't go away but noting bad is going to happen.
I drive a 1995 Toyota Celica. I blended for a while (up to 100%) and I decided to upgrade the computer so it can run better on E85. Works great and I actually get better mileage and power.
http://www.change2e85.com -
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