| GripperDon |
I am considering buying the Flex fuel unit to convert to Ethanol 85
It allows you to unplug your current injectors and insert the connectors into a Black box, the black box appropriately lengthens the injector pulse so that the fuel quanity is increased for the lower energy fuel and then transmits that longer pulse to the injector via new lead provided. It changes the timing to account for the higher octane of the ethanol based fuel which is about 102 octane.
My concern is the fuel pump, lines and other items in the fuel path and there resistance to corrosion.
The fuel is produced by a compact still and then dried thru a Zeolites bed to remove the final water and provide a 100% dry ethanol that is finally mixed with 15% gasoline. The still makes about 15 gallons a day.
Looking for advice comments etc. |
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| njjoe |
GD-
Did I read that right? :confused: You plan on distilling your own ethanol? :eek: And then blending your own fuel?
-njjoe |
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| GripperDon |
There is no source of Ethanol 85 within 100 miles of where I live. The still is completely automatic and very compact occupying about 1 ft square of floor space and 6 ft tall.
This country has lots of corn, barley, rye, etc. and we can stop paying farmers not to grow crops and raise more and move toward energy independence.
There are over 30 car models that are E85 compatible right now. (You do have to change the timing and pulse width to the injectors) but the fuel system is compatible.
Brazil will be gasoline free in less than 6 more months at the end of a 5 year plan to be energy independent. They buy the majority of the fuel systems form the USA
Hydrogen requires very expensive on board tankage as do Propane and Natural gas. Then there is the problem of converting gas stations. With Ethanol you use the same tanks on the car as gas and converting the gas station is quite easy and transporting it is a snap. Making the fuel does not require the big oil companies for their refineries. I am serious about trying to do something to break the hold of big oil and speculators making obscene profits.
The computer system for a 8 cylinder is about $750 and I am sure I could build my own. The still system are cheap at about $350. Include the feed stock and drive 15,000 per year and you can pay the whole thing off in about 20 months if Gas is $3.50 a gallon.
Check some of it out here:
http://flextek.com/?gclid=CO61vazA1oYCFTY7GAodZku0ug |
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| ekaxel |
| Most likely will void your warranty, if the vehicle is not manufacturer certified for E85.... |
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| GripperDon |
But a real concern and under consideration... There is a certification process that they go thru for resale. In talking to the service manager , I have said I would make a detailed write up of what was done and what was not and submit it as the factory has some interest in the process, it will be submitted and there is a possibility they could approve it. The flex fuel guys of course are very positive.
However it is a very very valid concern and if it does void the warranty then I will not do it. But I will have learned some good stuff and theat is a valuable return on the effort. |
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| tqt |
| I would think that any gaskets that comes in contact with the ethanol would have to be replaced also. The ethanol would corrode those up. |
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| GripperDon |
All 2006
4.7 liter Dodge Durango*
4.7 liter Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Series*
2.7 liter Dodge Stratus Sedan*
2.7 liter Chrysler Sebring Sedan*
3.3 liter Caravan & Grand Caravan SE*
3.0 liter Ford Taurus sedan and wagon (2-valve)*
4.6 liter Ford Crown Victoria (2-valve, excluding taxi and police units)
5.4 liter Ford F-150 (3-valve. Available in December 2005)
4.6 liter Lincoln Town Car (2-valve)
3.5 liter Chevy Impala (LS, 1LT & 2LT)
3.5 liter Chevy Monte Carlo (LS and LT models only)
5.3 liter Vortec engine Avalanche
5.3 liter Vortec engine Police Package Tahoe*
5.3 liter V-8 engine Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra half-ton pickups 2WD & 4WD
5.3 liter Vortec engine Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Yukon XLS
4.0 liter Mountaineers
3.0 liter Sables
5.6 liter DOHC V8 engine |
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| Eric L. |
| Sounds like a cool project Grip, but it seems that it would just be easier to buy an E85 car. Ok, I know thats not the point, but I have a hard time believing that such a project can be pulled off without any significant hitches along the way. Eventually you might get it running perfectly, but its going to be quite the journey. But I guess thats part of the fun so good luck. |
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| Kris |
Don,
it does not matter if you proceed with your project. You made a point! And I would be prepared to pay permanently $3/gallon if this was the price of getting independence from foreign oil sources and running on something that is renewable....
Good luck with your project. |
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| Jim C |
GripperDon:
Great idea! However, I think there are a few issues with trying this home-brewed version of a conversion. First is the corrosion factor you mentioned. I realize you'll be using "dry" ethanol, but no matter how dry at the start, the fuel will absorb water in the atmosphere that will lead to corrosion of parts. Second, you'll be affecting emissions (maybe positively, maybe negatively). Either way, if you state has inspection requirements, you may end of running afoul of those requirements leading to possible denial of registration or, in the worst case, a violation of the Clean Air Act's anti-tampering provisions. Finally, while I'm sure Nissan is interested, my understanding is that the average cost of adding E85 capability is several thousand dollars. So it would seem that they are doing something more than adjustments to injection and timing. Just some thoughts. Good luck with the project! |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by GripperDon
I am considering buying the Flex fuel unit to convert to Ethanol 85
It allows you to unplug your current injectors and insert the connectors into a Black box, the black box appropriately lengthens the injector pulse so that the fuel quanity is increased for the lower energy fuel and then transmits that longer pulse to the injector via new lead provided. It changes the timing to account for the higher octane of the ethanol based fuel which is about 102 octane.
Looking for advice comments etc.
Don,
You plan on using the Phaeton for your project :eek: ? |
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| GripperDon |
the major supplier of Flex Fuel system in Brazil. I am about to sign a distributor agreement with them and will have a multi state exclusive area and will open an Internet site for sale, info, downloads etc.
My Houseboat site www.espboatsales.com will feature conversions of their 4,6 and 8 cylinder engines both propulsion and power generators. to Ethanol mixes.
Mine will be the installation videos.
I have complete a good deal of research on the subject including corrosion, materials compatibility, Spark timing issues, power changes, volumeteric fuel efficiency, Cold starting, lubrication, spark plug issues, fuel pricing and availability.
I hope that the distribution agreement get by my "legal Ad visor"
This fits my background well, Having designed alternate fuel vehicles during my tenure at Bendix corporation including propane and diesel systems. It also is good match for the houseboats sales. By the way houseboats sell really well, I sold the last 2 in 1 day each.
So I will keep you all apprised. I hope to set one up on a friend of mines Mo and when we do I THEN, not now, be able to answer questions about how well it works on the best SUV in the world.
My problem here in Arizona is sourcing the fuel. At the Marina I am getting them to install an automatic still (have already filed the necessary ATFA documents) so there will be a source for boats.
Price will be $1.99 a gallon for a 100 octane E85 mix. |
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| njjoe |
GD-
Best of luck on your new venture.
Do you have an advertising budget yet? If so, maybe you can get Mrs. Tiger Woods to be your spokes-model! It would certainly get my attention. :D
Best of luck.
-njjoe |
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| Kris |
Wow Don! You really are serious!
I hope that your adventure is a great success and others will follow. Maybe this is a beginning of something big. I have seen plans for expansions and new ethanol plants. A lots of them! So you are not alone. Ethanol is here to stay.
Best of luck! |
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| pcs15394 |
| GripperDon- Good luck to you. I am glad to hear of people like you who are taking the Bull by the Horns and making a stand regarding our dependence on foreign oil. I hope it proves profitable and for you. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by pcs15394
GripperDon- Good luck to you.
I think Grips' the kind of guy who makes his own luck!
Go get 'em Don. We're rooting for ya! |
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| GripperDon |
| Keep you posted. |
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