I know that there has been alot of discussion regarding the correct fuel (prem vs regular) to run in GDI motors but has anyone tried running alcohol? From my research it should be ideal for the GDI's being fuel injected, fuel smart (ECU & oxy sensor) and high compression.

Given the rising cost of fuel and the lower than expected fuel milage I am considering distilling my own alcohol and running it in my 97 3.5l Pajero. The US sells E85 (gasahol) at the pumps and many of thie vehicles are set-up for it at the factory. Is the Pajero suitable for this fuel?

Jim
NZ

Hi Jim,

It seems Mitsubishi is one of the car makers that recommend the use of ethanol, but their warranty only covers up to 10% blend.

http://www.ethanol.org/warrantystatements.html

E85 is meant for only Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) ?

Keep us posted of your experiment....
Cheers

Regards,
- CSL

CSL, you are correct about the FFV's and the US standards for using the fuel E85 (85% ethonol).

From my research the GDI motors are as suitable to use the fuel as the FFV's specificied as they have similiar intellegence as these vechicles (can adapt for different fuels by monitoring O2 and exhaust emissions). The main problem as I see it is that because alcohol has an addition O2 molucule and burns longer (higher octane) it burns leaner. So in order to get the engine running correctly you have to increase the fuel to air ratio. This can either be done electronically or physically by increasing the injector size. What I don't know is if the GDI motor will richen the mixture up enough through its intellegent ECU or if you have to modify the injectors. I read about one person who re-chipped his car to richen the mixture. This will work but then you have the problem of switching back to standard pumped petrol if you need to. The FFV's do this automatically.

I am interested in someone who has tried to run alcohol (either E15 or E85) in a GDI motor and thier experiences.

Jim
NZ