How to Convert an Old Carbureted Car to Run on E85 Ethanol

Corn, it's what you car wants for dinner.

Concerns over foreign oil and greenhouse gasses are focused upon more and more by the media and consumers worldwide. One way that consumers can help their environment as well as their pocketbook is to change from gasoline to an E-85 fuel in their vehicles. E-85 is a fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol (alcohol) and 15 percent gasoline. This fuel is less expensive, biologically reproductive and cleaner burning. The switch is on and if you own a post-1985, fuel-injection car, you can do it in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

• E-85 conversion kit
• Screwdriver
• Hook and loop material (self-adhesive)

Instructions

1. Open your hood. Remove the air cleaner assembly from your vehicle's engine. This is accomplished by removing the mounting screws with a screwdriver and lifting it out of the way. There is no need to disconnect any wiring harnesses or vacuum lines from the assembly. Set it off to the side in your engine compartment.

2. Install the kit. Disconnect your fuel injectors from the fuel rail one at a time by releasing the wire retaining clip with your finger (a stubborn clip can be persuaded with a screwdriver). Following the directions that came with your conversion kit, install the injector into the receptacle of the conversion kit and reinsert the assembly back into the fuel rail and install the retaining clip. Repeat this process for all injectors.

3. Mount the control module. Find a location that will be out of the way of heat sources, moving parts and will be easy to reach. The inside fender well is a good location. Apply a piece of hook-and-loop material to the back side of the control module and peel the protective backing from it. Press the module with the material against the fender well. Replace the air cleaner assembly.

4. Activate the module. The module has a switch marked A or G (alcohol [E-85] or gas), simply place the switch to whatever type of fuel you are burning in your vehicle. Close your hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow your vehicle's engine to cool prior to installing the conversion kit. This will ensure that you do not burn your hands on a hot engine.

• Never mix gasoline and E-85 in your vehicle's fuel tank. This can harm your fuel system. Run your vehicle nearly out of fuel prior to making the switch.

References

• Change to E85: Converting to E-85
• E85 Vehicles: Converting to E85