E85Forum.com

CopGTP · Joined: 01 Oct 2010 Posts: 2

I'm looking to convert my car into an E85 machine, but the car is only used in the warmer months here in New York.

I've heard some rumors that E85 can't sit long in the tank? Is that true? Would I need to run it dry before the winter????

Car is garaged during the winter months in a climate controlled room.

CopGTP · Joined: 01 Oct 2010 Posts: 2

Alrighty, doing some searching around here, seems like everyone feels its safe to store over the winter months, just as long as the tank is above 3/4 full.

Alcohol · Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 634 Location: Central Wisconsin

If your car is an older system without the carbon (vapor) canister- I would recommend that you seal the tank vent to avoid free air exchange which could allow moisture entry and acid formation. If E85 is kept dry the corrosion inhibitors in the ethanol will work very well.

If your system is carb'ed and going to sit without starting for months then some guys will drain the bowls and refill with gas but others do not. The carb of course has several places where air can meet fuel or vapors so this is why some take extra steps with them. EFI does not have this potential for air exposure.

specialgreen · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 11:47 am Post subject:

I tested Sta-Bil for compatibility with E-85, and had good results: I mixed-up some Sta-Bil with E-85 in a jar, and left it on a shelf in the garage where I park over winter. It mixed fine, didn't separate, and I didn't observe anything coming out of solution.

I'd second the suggestion to fill the tank completely (minimize the air in the tank). Carburetor float bowls will dry out, so if your vehicle is carbureted, either drain them, run them dry before storage, or else start the motor and warm it up to full temperature every month over winter, to keep the bowls wet.