One of the people I met while camping out and keep in contact with apparently uses E-85 and E-100 in both his inboard Onan generator, and his Hondas. He learned this while on a trip to Brazil where ethanol is relatively cheap.The Onan, he moves the altitude switch up a bit. The Hondas, are slightly choked. This makes the mixture slightly richer, to compensate for the less energy per spray in ethanol.This is the first time I've heard about this, and I checked the manuals of both models, and E-85 is a definite no-no. However, this acquaintance of mine swears by it, with the caveat of always draining the gas completely in the Hondas, and squirting Sta-Bil in the tank of his MH to keep the water from settling out and hydrolocking the generator.Has anyone even heard of this? I personally would not want to risk anything not expressly designed for booze mainly because of the corrosion aspect of ethanol and the fact that E-100 is really E-95, with 5% water in it.

I'm sure that the mfgr's don't want to worry about the problems that are associated with the ethanol products....so they strongly suggest that you not use them.That said, will they work....yes.Will they last as long as the engines not using the E-85....probably not! Or at the very least, will probably require additional maintenance, which may actually offset any monetary gains from the lower priced fuels. Some of those parts are pretty expensive!!StaBil does make an ethanol mix, which may be helpful....I've never tried it.

I'd really like to hear from your friend in a few years. With the trouble that E-10 has caused me, I really don't think E-85 or 100 could be much worse. You do know that Brazil is going away from ethanol as motor fuel don't you. Sure, it can be made to work, but it has a whole new and different set of issues. Matt

One of the problems with ethanol is that it will eat gaskets, plastics and rubber parts not designed for ethanol use. It will also pit some metals. Just use caution if you use it, could be a big repair bill to replace damaged parts.

Matt_Colie wrote:..... You do know that Brazil is going away from ethanol as motor fuel don't you. ...MattReally? That is certainly news, since they are still deep in their flex-fuel program and expanding ethanol production.Bloomberg report from July 2013

I wouldn't want to risk it ($2000 for a generator isn't cheap), but it seems that some people are having good luck with running it. I just wonder how common it is to convert a gas engine to run on E85/E100, as this is the first time I've heard about this.

E85 in generator? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

TEXAS
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
If the engine rubber and plastic parts. Are not made to stand up to E85. It will destroy them.Also some carb metal parts can't take the stuff
bob_and_donna
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
wow My 2012 e-350 class c is a flex fuel with a 2800kw gen set. so far I have not run any 85 probably never will now.
C-Leigh_Racing
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
Oh shucks, you can run any engine on that stuff, but do you want all the problems afterwards.
Lot of different type of racing use alky, maybe not ethanol though.
Just as stated, what ever engine you use it in, that engines fuel system needs to be changed over to be able to handle the stuff.
Aluminum parts if not flushed out, will turn into snot looking mess, then you really got some problems then.

Ya'll nay sayers can beat your jaws all day, but its falling on deaf ears, cause I know better, done been through it & seen the damage over the years.
Neil
David_R
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
I copied this straight from the EPA's FAQ.

What Vehicles May Use E15?
•Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs)
•MY2001 and newer cars
•MY2001 and newer light-duty trucks
•MY2001 and newer medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs)

What Vehicles and Engines May Not Use E15?
•All motorcycles
•All vehicles with heavy-duty engines, such as school buses, transit buses, and delivery trucks
•All off-road vehicles, such as boats and snowmobiles
•All engines in off-road equipment, such as lawnmowers and chain saws
•All MY2000 and older cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs)
n7bsn
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
RJsfishin wrote:
David R wrote:
Small engines are not built for E-85 and likely to have problems due to it. There is a great deal of information available on the subject.

Beware, there is a lot of false information on the subject too !

Correct, but let's see what Honda says...

Honda small engine fuel recommendations

"
Can I use E85 in my Honda Engine?

E85 contains 85% ethanol and must not be used in Honda engines.

Using fuels with percentages of ethanol or methanol higher than 10% (E10) will cause starting and/or performance problems. It can also damage metal, rubber, and plastic fuel system components that are not covered under the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. "
n7bsn
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
aruba5er wrote:
One of the major chain saw makers insist that you use THEIR fuel or no warrenty. Most small engines caution against even E10. I learned the hard way and no more ethonal. We can buy a mid grade (89 octane) with no corn for 10 cents a gal more. Cheap insurance.

Who might that be? I'm not aware of any chain-saw maker that sells fuel.

I can tell you that Stihl says that E10 is "OK", but they recommend you use E0. They also recommend mid-grade.

Husky says the same thing (actually so does Toro)

All also recommend using a "good" quality fuel stabilizer, never use fuel older then 90 days. Also use a good quality 2-cycle oil.

I organize training for a couple organizations, this has included having factory reps attend and talk to us about chain-saws.
aruba5er
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
One of the major chain saw makers insist that you use THEIR fuel or no warrenty. Most small engines caution against even E10. I learned the hard way and no more ethonal. We can buy a mid grade (89 octane) with no corn for 10 cents a gal more. Cheap insurance.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
David R wrote:
Small engines are not built for E-85 and likely to have problems due to it. There is a great deal of information available on the subject.

Beware, there is a lot of false information on the subject too !
David_R
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
Small engines are not built for E-85 and likely to have problems due to it. There is a great deal of information available on the subject.
j-d
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2013
***NO***

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E85 in generator?

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