I was wondering how many other people are running their spark ignition engines be they original spark ignition engines or converted glow motors on E-85? I am having phenomenal results using it with 5%Klotz Techniplate and 1% castor and was wondering how others were doing. I have also begun a series of tests using E-85 as a replacement for methanol in glow fuel. Initial results look promising using 10% Nitromethane and 22% Oil 80/20 Techniplate/castor. Power and transition is indistiguishable, idle is superior, CHT is within 5 degrees, glow plug life using two steps colder seems roughly equivalent but more test hours and plug failures are needed to be sure. Angus assured me by email that the nitromethane would see no appreciable sensitization from the gasoline at mixtures up to 30%. I think E-85 could really enhance the hobby due to its low cost and ready availablilty the problem is the entire existing fuel infrastructure is going to be vehemently against it if only to insure their own survival.

I had to look that one up!
E-85 is a mixture of 85% ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15% gasoline. Sounds interesting. It would have a lot more energy per unit volume than standard glow fuel (but less than gasoline). This would translate into either more power or a longer run time per tankfull. I would worry about running too hot. There would be a lot less evaporative cooling than with methanol, plus the extra combustion energy. I think you would need to make sure there was really good air flow around the head.

Post your results, especially with respect to glow engines. Could be a good alternative to spark ignition engines. There might be some more choices with respect to oils as well. Is the mixture miscible with mineral oils or more conventional (automotive) synthetics?

Ross