Heather asked: I have 2000 Dodge caravan, I can use
E85 gasoline but have not tried it yet.
People keep telling me I need to do some work on it first. Is this true and what do i need to do to it? One of my
friends just started a few months ago using it in a van similar to mine and has had no problems up to this point and she did no work on hers. Can I use it without getting work done on my van??
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As long as it is built to use it, no work needs to be done. I have a 99 Ford Ranger that I use it in at times with no problem.
Correction, there were some E85 capable Caravans sold in 2000. For your vehicle, check the 8th character of your VIN number. For Chrysler products built before 2006, if the 8th character of the VIN number is E, G or 3, you can use E85.
There are more modifications required than you think to use E85.
Ethanol is corrosive to metals used in common fuel systems. So the fuel lines are usually stainless steel instead of the aluminum lines usually used.
The plastics in the fuel system are different because the ethanol will deteriorate the usual plastics used.
The fuel pump and fuel injectors are different.
E85 capable vehicles have an extra sensor located in the fuel tank to measure the ethanol content in the fuel so the engine management computer can correctly tune the engine for ethanol. Your van can’t do this so it won’t run very well.
Ethanol has a higher oxygen content than gasoline. E85 capable vehicles have a different oxygen sensor to compensate for this.
Using E85 in a vehicle not configured for it is very risky. You may get a way with it for a while. But you risk destroying your fuel system. Cost to have it repaired can be well over $1000.
At the very least, you will get a check engine light because your oxygen sensor will be giving readings out of range. Your engine management computer will compensate by switching to a limp home mode. It won’t run well.
Check the link below to see which vehicles are capable of using E85. It will also show you how to read your VIN to see if you can use E85
If your vehicle came ready for e85 from the factory….Put the e85 in the tank and drive it…check your owners manual to see…
your cars computer will make adjustment for the difference in octane…..
There aren’t any E-85 Conversion kits on the market either a car or in your case a van is built to use it or it isn’t I’m not sure about Chrysler but GM reccomends not using more than 10% ethanol in non flex fuel vehicles
Yes you can convert your car. Conversion kits have been around for 25 years.
Why did the mechanic in this posting not know about them. Because big oil and the automakers are doing everything they can to crush the conversion industry. Oil wants you hooked on gas and the Automakers want you to buy a new flex vehicle.
These conversion kits were invented in Brazil 25 years ago as there is ethanol available at every fueling station. is one of the largest conversion companies in the USA.
They are easy to install and will let you use ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two safely.