Just got my Ranger and was wondering if you can run E85 in the 4.0 SOHC? Seems everyone is talking about the 3.0 in regards to E85. Any info on this would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks! -Dan

 

The FFV 3.0 is not the same as the non-FFV 3.0. To run E85 you need the special programming for the PCM which non-FFV vehicles don't have.

Also, FFV (flexible fuel vehicles -- in this case gasoline and ethanol) vehicles need larger injectors for the same power level -- it takes more ethanol per unit of air to get the proper mixture. 3.0's with the FFV system have injectors closer to that of a 4.0. A 4.0 FFV would need larger injectors still.

There are some considerations on the sealing materials used in the fuel system as ethanol is very corrosive to many organic molecules. It may be that most modern vehicles use compatible materials -- but you still have the issue of the ratio control and injector sizing to deal with.

 

Ok John, swear to god you know EVERYTHING about Rangers. Starting to wonder if your last name is really Ford instead!

 

lol! I have the factory manuals on CD, and I have a 3.0 FFV and have looked into it. I wasn't born knowing Fords...

Actually, I wasn't much of a motorhead at all until I bought my first pickup about 5 or 6 years ago. I just did routine work on my vehicles to save money. The truck took me over the edge into obsession.

 

I have thought about the injector capacity and the use of E85. It seems that it would work fine if you do not try to run at or near full power. The computer would increase the amount of fuel until it reached the capacity of the injector.

Of course that might be like playing Russian Roulette not knowing the power rate at which is goes lean. However, I think it would work fine in an emergency if you played it safe by accelerating and driving slow.

 

You could also clamp something on your throttle body to maybe limit your pedal travel. Not a great idea for the reasons stated, lol -- but limiting the throttle might make it safer.

 

I would love to get a custom flip chip of sorts that would tune the engine for gasoline and E85.

Upgrading seals and lines would be the first step.

I have no idea if anyone is willing to make such a chip tho.