How to Convert a Gas Vehicle to E85

The availability of cheaper and more environmentally friendly options in fuels has raised the demand of alternate fuels such as ethanol. Many people are now choosing to convert their vehicles from gasoline to ethanol regardless of the arguments that ethanol conversion is complicated than other fuels.

1. Get the car tuned up and scrupulously checked by a mechanic.


2. Do not attempt to convert a car that has mechanical issues or is not at its best working condition. A broken car cannot be made better by alternative fuels.


3. Buy an ethanol conversion kit. These kits come with just the essential components. This means that you have to buy the components for the car, but the kit is a good starting point.


4. Decide if you want your car to work only on ethanol or gas, or combination of two, otherwise called flex-fuel. The methods of conversion are slightly different, so it is advisable that you choose one of the options. Choosing flex-fuel gives you more options and thus more comfort and flexibility.


5. Replace the gas fuel pump with one that works better with ethanol. While most pumps are able to function on ethanol-gasoline mixture, there are some which work notably better with only ethanol.


6. Mount the new filters between the fuel pump and the carburetor.


7. Replace the filters after first few tanks of gas and on a regular basis after that. First set of filters will effectively remove any impurities left behind by inexpensive gasoline.


8. Check and make sure that your carburetor is capable of handling ethanol fuel. It might need to be modified depending on the year your car has been manufactured. Newer carburetors need lesser modifications.


9. Speak to a mechanic or preferably a bio-fuel specialist about evaluation your current engine components, if you do not know your way around the engine.


10. Keep close watch on the spark plugs since they may misfire, as is the case when dealing with alternate fuels. You might have to switch to 100-percent ethanol compatible spark plugs if you are facing constant problems.