Ethanol in non-ethanol rate engine

[maggiek]

We were spending a few days in Fredericton and before heading home to NS I topped off the fuel and immediately noticed a change in engine performance. Slightly different sound and a noticeable hesitation. I always use the same gas (ESSO 87 octane). When we got home we filled up at our local ESSO and I told the owner about the engine. He told me that NB has a 5-10% ethanol content in their reg/mid grade gasolines. So the question is: Since the HEMI isn't an ETHANOL rated engine is there a problem using it . I ask because we intend on camping in NB this summer and I don't want to cause a problem, real or not, because of using a fuel that the truck isn't supposed to be using. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Acableguy06]

5-10% is pretty common here in this area. Its run in all vehicles, I wont say no ill effects because that would not be true. However, in the newer vehicles most of them are able to handle the blend without any issues.

[DF5.4]

That much ethanol shouldn't hurt anything. As you saw you will notice a difference in engine performance. There are very few places around here that doesn't have ethanol. I have been running it in a few different vehicles for the last few years and the only thing I really noticed when they changed was the mpg dropped a little.

[Rugged Brown]

I filled my tank on my Ram hemi today in Moncton and returned to NS. I didn't notice any difference in engine performance. My average fuel consumption was 14 litres/100 km. How do you do?

[maggiek]

Thanks to all for the comments. For Rugged Brown, the fuel consumption was in the 14.5 L/100 km give or take a bit on the trip computer. What I found disconcerting was the hesitation. The engine sure has the power so I don't forsee a problem pulling the 2304 with or without ethanol, I just don't want to hurt the motor for no reason.

[Stevea1956]

Up to 10% ethanol is standard here. E85 is 15% and could cause performance issues for engines not rated it.
My Hemi called for 89 octane and I noticed a performance difference if I ran 87. Not so much for general driving but my fuel mileage was lower when I ran 87 octane. Check you owners manual to see if it recommends 89 octane.

[maggiek]

Originally Posted by Stevea1956

Up to 10% ethanol is standard here. E85 is 15% and could cause performance issues for engines not rated it.
My Hemi called for 89 octane and I noticed a performance difference if I ran 87. Not so much for general driving but my fuel mileage was lower when I ran 87 octane. Check you owners manual to see if it recommends 89 octane.

Yes, the manual recommends the 89 octane, but it is hard to get around my neighborhood. Most all the stations sell the reg and premium only. So it's the "alternate" 87 octane.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Stevea1956

E85 is 15%

Isn't E85 85% ethanol?

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Isn't E85 85% ethanol?

E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85%
not 85% but Up To 85% Ethanol

To the OP:
you can run the ethanol blend in the Hemi - my 04 doesnt like it either but I run the 91 to 93 since I also run a superchips programmer.

if it is not rated for Flex fuel which is also known as E85 and you put that in it - thats when you are asking for trouble.

I also notice my fuel mileage drops considerably when I run gas that has an ethanol blend in it - not that my truck gets that great of gas mileage as it is now

[JFM-jr]

Yes it is 85% any vehicle outfitted to run E85 will have an ECU that will have the ability to change engine tuning for it. Gas milage on ethanol is worse than regular gasoline. Here in NY they commonly add 10% ethanol without much effect beyond a slight hit in fuel milage. I notice no change in the way my Hemi runs with or without the ethanol tho it's a 2004 and does not have DOD like the OP's 2011.

[fast murray]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Isn't E85 85% ethanol?

Yes, and unless your dodge says flexfuel on it you'd best stay away from it. I don't think Hemi's are flex fuel engines at all. I live in the middle of corn country and I try to never use ethanol. It usually runs $.10 cheaper for 10% ethanol but the mileage sucks. It would be interesting to see how much it cost if the gov't quit paying for it.

[JFM-jr]

The 4.7 is the flexfuel compatible motor in the Ram 1500's