My engine is running too hot on ethanol. What should I do?

[Ariel]

Last spring I bought a conversion kit for my Corolla from David Blume, had a mechanic install it and have been using E85 since then.   Recently my husband changed the spark plugs.  They were white, indicating that the engine had been running too hot.  Now he wants me to switch back to gasoline so I won't ruin the engine.  He also doesn't like the fact that the engine doesn't start up right away.  Can someone tell me how to remedy these problems?

[Jeffre W Lindow]

Is your engine really running too hot? I had the same fears so I put thermometers on various parts of the engine. It is running cooler that on gasoline. The white condition of the spark plugs may only be a symptom  if you are running gasoline. I have about 20,000 miles on mine.

 

[jon b. quick]

Go to colder heat range spark plugs and gap them a little wider (.005") An after market ignition system may also be required. Check your ignition timing, you should be able to run more total advance with the higher octane. Check the mixture, you will need more ethanol for the same amount of air as with gasoline.