Can the Ford 5.4 use E85 fuel?

[belfert]

I am planning to sell my RV and the diesel dually that pulls it.

I want to get a truck with the 5.4 V8 instead. Can the 5.4 engine run on E85? E85 is cheaper than gasoline and I can get it at stations all over the Minneapolis/St. Paul area here in Minnesota.

I've never seen a Biodiesel pump yet E85 is readily available.

Brian Elfert

[aramtractor]

Whats E85?

[shume]

[ QUOTE ]
Whats E85?

[/ QUOTE ]
I had the same question. Did a quick google search. It is 85% ethanol. <font color="blue">Here</font> is a web site with lots of info.

Steve

[belfert]

E85 is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is mainly available in the Midwest. Right now, it is less expensive than gasoline.

I did more research and the 5.4 is not E85 capable. Each manufacturer only has a few vehicles with E85 capable engines.

The 5.3 engine in the GM 1500 trucks does have E85 capabilities if I wanted a 1/2 ton.

Brian Elfert

[Charlie_in_TX]

As mentioned, the 5.4l is not E85 'approved'. 2 things, that only matters if the truck is under warenty and you are ok with the increased fuel consumption.

On the first point. I bet you can run E85 in a modern FI motor for many years with no problem. The proble is you have just given Ford a reason to void your warrenty. On the second point, plan on a 10-20% decrease in mpg.

If it were a used, say 2000, truck I would go for it.

[belfert]

[ QUOTE ]
As mentioned, the 5.4l is not E85 'approved'. 2 things, that only matters if the truck is under warenty and you are ok with the increased fuel consumption.

On the first point. I bet you can run E85 in a modern FI motor for many years with no problem. The proble is you have just given Ford a reason to void your warrenty. On the second point, plan on a 10-20% decrease in mpg.

If it were a used, say 2000, truck I would go for it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would probably want a 2005 or newer to get the more powerful 5.4 engine and the other upgrades.

There may not be a financial gain to burning E85 if the mileage is less. Also, 50% of my fuel is purchased away from home where E85 is not available. I think I'll just forget about E85.

Brian Elfert

[LITTEKEN]

You will have problems with knock/timing and the fuel lines can deteroirate faster when running ethanol. The flex fuel vehicles have a somewhat different PCM strategy and stainless steel fuel lines. Do Not Run E85 in the 5.4L.

[Dr.Evil]

My Wife pulled a little "Funny" on Me the other night.... Said She gassed Her '03 Mountaineer up with E85 since it was so much cheaper... I about died..... THAT's why I don't let ANYONE else fuel up My truck....