E85 Fuel System folks step inside - Maintenance

[barkingspud]

For those of you who run E on a consistent basis, what is your maintenance routine?

I've got a dual pump system with 128mm Stainless filter and, in less than 5000 miles, I've gone through 2 primary fuel pumps. I just pulled the SS filter and it was dirty to the point that I couldn't blow through it very easily. I backwashed it with Denatured Alcohol and cleaned it as best I could. In the meanwhile, I have 2 more pumps on order for backup as well as 2 more filters. This time I am going with the Microglass elements which, I realize need more attention due to the fact that they are disposable.

I don't run my tank lower than 1/2 tank (1/4 on a rare occasion), I don't sit idling or run the pumps dry. I get my E from a station that sells a good quantity and it's usually 80% which from time to time I upblend with E98 that I have on hand.

Would love to hear your experiences.

Thanks

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[SheepDog]

I've been running the Sai Li budget system for probably 12,000 miles. Never had an issue with pumps failing. We only get E70 here, so I do believe that the additional gasoline percentage helps keep things clean and lubricated better than a 80-90+% mixture.
I would recommend flushing your stainless filter with gasoline, not more alcohol. Next time you backflush it, do it into a container so you can see if there is crap in it. Also, pull your fuel injectors and make sure they are squeaky clean. Don't beat on the car until you can be certain that the fuel system is clean, and that everything is working properly

Have you logged recently to see if you are running lean?


Several things could be causing the failure

1- contaminated fuel. Either with sediment or water.

2 - Bad/improper wiring like a bad ground or loose connection.

3- something with the tune

4- Cross-over tube is kinked or fell off

 

[barkingspud]

I've been running the Sai Li budget system for probably 12,000 miles. Never had an issue with pumps failing. We only get E70 here, so I do believe that the additional gasoline percentage helps keep things clean and lubricated better than a 80-90+% mixture.
I would recommend flushing your stainless filter with gasoline, not more alcohol. Next time you backflush it, do it into a container so you can see if there is crap in it. Also, pull your fuel injectors and make sure they are squeaky clean. Don't beat on the car until you can be certain that the fuel system is clean, and that everything is working properly

Have you logged recently to see if you are running lean?


Several things could be causing the failure

1- contaminated fuel. Either with sediment or water.

2 - Bad/improper wiring like a bad ground or loose connection.

3- something with the tune

4- Cross-over tube is kinked or fell off

Electrical is solid, tune is good and crossover tube is good. I believe it was due to a dirty filter.

Never thought in less than 5000 miles it could have gotten that dirty. I backwashed it as good as I could and ordered a couple of new Microglass disposables which are actually the recommended type for ID injectors.

I think once I get this sorted out, I'm going with Ignite E85 by the barrel to avoid the possibility of crappy fuel.

 

[TheHydro]

After about 6k miles of running pump e85 (e70) I replaced my micro glass filter and to my surprise the filter looked spotless. I have seen pictures where people had very dirty looking filters or a gummy substance so I was expecting that. I guess it depends on the quality of the ethanol coming out of your local pumps.

 

[barkingspud]

After about 6k miles of running pump e85 (e70) I replaced my micro glass filter and to my surprise the filter looked spotless. I have seen pictures where people had very dirty looking filters or a gummy substance so I was expecting that. I guess it depends on the quality of the ethanol coming out of your local pumps.

That is my thought. I need to find another source.

 

[whatsup62]

That is my thought. I need to find another source.

I think this is the issue. I am about 4.5 hrs west of you and been running E for 5 years. For two on the Sai Li and the next 3 on Fore level 2 with twin 465s and stainless filter. I let it sit in the tank all Winter and have NEVER had any issue at all. I would think you would be having injector issues also. This time of year I'm sure your stations have switched over to E70....might try a few tanks of that. Depending on who your tuner is there is not much difference. On E70 I see 22.5 -22.8 degrees of timing, with anything at E85 or above I can get to 23-23.3

 

[barkingspud]

I think this is the issue. I am about 4.5 hrs west of you and been running E for 5 years. For two on the Sai Li and the next 3 on Fore level 2 with twin 465s and stainless filter. I let it sit in the tank all Winter and have NEVER had any issue at all. I would think you would be having injector issues also. This time of year I'm sure your stations have switched over to E70....might try a few tanks of that. Depending on who your tuner is there is not much difference. On E70 I see 22.5 -22.8 degrees of timing, with anything at E85 or above I can get to 23-23.3

Yep. Need to find another source. I have multiple tunes for varying levels of E down to 93. I haven't seen any symptoms of Injector issues via extensive data logging. I'm guessing the filter caught all of the fine particles which caused the pump to struggle with the restricted flow.

 

[beefcake]

we replace the pumps once a year in the spring, not necessarly needed, but i personally treat it like a maintenance item.

filter should be checked at least a couple times a year, you can always put a guage before the filter as well, so you can see if the pressure is getting much higher before, then you know your filter is due for a cleaning

meaning, when the filter is new or clean, you may see 55-57 before the filter,and 55 at the regulator, but once you start seeing like 62-65, pull the filter and clean it or replace it

 

[barkingspud]

we replace the pumps once a year in the spring, not necessarly needed, but i personally treat it like a maintenance item.

filter should be checked at least a couple times a year, you can always put a guage before the filter as well, so you can see if the pressure is getting much higher before, then you know your filter is due for a cleaning

meaning, when the filter is new or clean, you may see 55-57 before the filter,and 55 at the regulator, but once you start seeing like 62-65, pull the filter and clean it or replace it

Thats my plan moving forward.

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