E85 Bike...why not me!

[Dave8338]

I was thinking last night while filling up the Explorer ...what would all be envolved in converting an old YAMAHA to burn E85? As I'm not running the original carbs, with enough hunting and selective materials choices, why not!

Anyone with input? Pros and cons? Anyone...

[rosco15]

I think the biggest thing would be can you get it locally. Some of the downsides are it's supposed to be hard on aluminum and rubber hoses and o-rings. I've also heard it can be hard starting in the cold. It absorbs moisture and can promote rusting in gas tanks etc. You need to re-jet to get around 30% more fuel.

With all that being said I'm looking to convert in my dragbike. Its alot cheaper than race gas and is supposed to be more consistent. Not effected by the weather as much as gas is. My plan was to drain it out of the fuel system and replace with gas after every saturday of racing.

[Dave8338]

I think the biggest thing would be can you get it locally. Some of the downsides are it's supposed to be hard on aluminum and rubber hoses and o-rings. I've also heard it can be hard starting in the cold. It absorbs moisture and can promote rusting in gas tanks etc. You need to re-jet to get around 30% more fuel.

With all that being said I'm looking to convert in my dragbike. Its alot cheaper than race gas and is supposed to be more consistent. Not effected by the weather as much as gas is. My plan was to drain it out of the fuel system and replace with gas after every saturday of racing.

...several of my thoughts as well. I used to run alcohol in several different cars and liked it for it's ability to raise compression numbers greatly or equal to av-gas at a reduced price. Living here in the farm belt, it is readily available and in my opinion, should work well. Think that I'll do some more digging and see what I can come up with. \\/

As you can see...a re-jet is the least of my concerns...

[trippivot]

alcohol engines are effected 20%~25% MORE by atmosphere and temperature changes.

more fuel , more tunning , more jets , E.G.T. gage and Density Altitude meter are needed for consistent tune up.

[rosco15]

alcohol engines are effected 20%~25% MORE by atmosphere and temperature changes.

more fuel , more tunning , more jets , E.G.T. gage and Density Altitude meter are needed for consistent tune up.

Where did you get that information. Everything I've ever read stats that ethanol and methanol are effected less by temperature changes.

[Dave8338]

Where did you get that information. Everything I've ever read stats that ethanol and methanol are effected less by temperature changes.

I know that we would rejet the Holly's as the season progressed, but that was only to gain "optimum" performance as the temps dropped. As far as starting was concerned, we did start them on gas (dump a little in the bores) just to make things pop off right away, though starting them in the shop was a flip of two switches and hit the botton.

[gremlin]

this site will help with what you need for the conversion. it would be cheaper in the long run to do the biodiesel motorcycle.

http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php

http://www.flexfuelus.com

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219681.html?series=27

[Dave8338]

Great heads up!

this site will help with what you need for the conversion. it would be cheaper in the long run to do the biodiesel motorcycle.

http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php

http://www.flexfuelus.com

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...html?series=27

Thank you...they are bookmarked. A diesel bike, EH...why not? \\/ :-D

[bonanzadave]

A diesel bike, EH...why not? \\/ :-D

[andrewclaycomb]

there's a chance you are already running ethanol in your bikes anyways. A lot of states for the past few months have been putting at least ten percent in regular unleaded to lower the costs. It's funny that we never saw the price reduction as a consumer though. Also only a handful of states require the vendor to publish that ethanol is in the fuel.

[gremlin]

there's a chance you are already running ethanol in your bikes anyways. A lot of states for the past few months have been putting at least ten percent in regular unleaded to lower the costs. It's funny that we never saw the price reduction as a consumer though. Also only a handful of states require the vendor to publish that ethanol is in the fuel.

the ethanol in your gas is to replace the mebt there taking out. it has nothing to do with price. adding ethanol cost more. you lose on the end of the deal. poor a measure of gas and the same of ethanol on the ground and time how long it takes both to evaporate. next put the same amount in a cup and see how long it takes to evaporate.

http://www.practical-sailor.com/tools/ethanol-fuel-and-outboard-engines.html

here is some more good info on fuel and storing motors.

http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/dn12141-giant-microwave-turns-plastic-back-to-oil.html

[Dave8338]

I've noticed that almost all of the web sites that I've looked at have shown conversions to E85, with one hitch...everything mentioned is for vehicles using the full gammet of todays technology ie. mass air sensors, O2 sensors, MAP sensors...throttle position sensors, and on and on and on! We were doing this in the early to mid 80's, where the most complex component of the whole system was the electronic ignition module.

I do remember (the older I get the less I remember) that I spent some time hunting down Viton seals and EPDM gaskets by phone (in the era before the internet) and we were not the only ones running alcohol...

I did find a local link that I'll have to investigate as to parts ect. but am I getting to the point that carburation is a lost art? It was less difficult then than it seems to be now.

http://www.e85carbs.com/

It has now become a challenge and I love a good challenge! :? :-D

[duaneage]

Running on E85 will result in pi$$ poor mileage. Expect only about 40% of the mileage you get now. Instead of 160 miles a tank you might get 80 if your lucky. Add to the that the shortage of E85 stations and your not going to be taking long trips.

E10 and E85 are turning out to be bad ideas we are going to be paying for and living with a long time.

[hp1000s]

All of the aforementioned, as well as commodities like chicken, beef & milk that are fed with grains have increased in price because of the whole supply/demand thing.

[gremlin]

All of the aforementioned, as well as commodities like chicken, beef & milk that are fed with grains have increased in price because of the whole supply/demand thing.

one by product from a ethanol plant is feed. it is a bit higher than just feeding striate grain. low on sugar and high in protein.