Ethanol

[ReataRover]

Does anyone have any idea if the Disco can convert to Ethanol? What would it take and is it worth it? I know there are conversion kits to propane used widely in the UK, but wanted to know if anyone knew where the Ethanol conversion kit could be had and/or the propane conversion kits.

Thanks

 

[antichrist]

Be careful running ethanol in a vehicle that's had a lot of petrol go through it. Alcohol will disolve a lot of deposits that petrol wont, resulting in clogged fuel system components.

 

[dave77]

I assume you are talking about E85, not just 10%. I have been experimenting with E85 since a station here put in a pump about a year ago. I started by putting in 2 gallons of 85% and then filling with 10%. I didn't notice any difference in mileage or power. I have gone as high as about 50/50 which makes almost a 50% ethanol blend. The mileage definitely dropped just like a flex-fuel vehicle and I noticed a drop in power. I haven't have any fuel system problems so far. I never use less than 10%.
'96 112K

 

[tnomud]

I ran a 600HP 4 banger on Ethanol. You have to double the flow of fuel to match.

IE: I had 4 800cc injectors and had to use 1600's

 

[p m]

Supercharged Blitzen Benz?

 

[disco1776]

I have been discussing the Ethanol buzz in class over the last few weeks. In most older cars, I'm assuming pre 2000, I have been given advice not to use more than 10% because it will eat away the plastic fuel lines over time. The only benefit of using ethanol over an octane blend (petrol) is that it burns much cleaner. The chemical stucture has of ethanol has an OH group at one end of the hydrocarbon chain, as opposed to octane which is all hydrocarbon. What this means is that when burning ethanol, you have already oxidized one end of the hydrocarbon chain and when you go to oxidize (burn) the rest of the molecule, you are only going to get approximately half of the combustable energy as normal petrol. Thus giving you less power and worse gas mileage. In other words, the only benefit of using ethanol is that it is better for the environment.

 

[p m]

... In other words, the only benefit of using ethanol is that it is better for the environment.

... and helps to pass a tailpipe test, if there are any doubts!

 

[jes]

Does anyone have any idea if the Disco can convert to Ethanol? What would it take and is it worth it? I know there are conversion kits to propane used widely in the UK, but wanted to know if anyone knew where the Ethanol conversion kit could be had and/or the propane conversion kits.

Thanks

You need an ECU capable of handling the correct AFR for Ethanol and larger injectors... You should get comparable power but consume more volume of fuel.

 

[kennith]

The motor is suposed to run on it, as well as other stuff. It qualifies as a flexible fuel vehicle, they just don't push it. Ford lists it as a leaf and road vehicle, as it meets or exceeds every requirement.

There is really no performance benefit, though. It might help sneak by a sniffer, though, if a dummy light isn't on.

One of the older versions, the Olds Jetfire, actually used alcohol injection for a little kick in the pants, from the factory.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[kennith]

Hehe, what a shock we don't drive eco busters!

The DIIs are LEVs.

They do eat a lot of gas, though, with the permanant all..er.. 4WD.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[Rocky]

Land Rovers are LEV's especially if they are in the shop being fixed......