Flex Fuel Sensor Questions
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 3:03 pm
I'v been doing some reading - on this board, other boards, and in the manual.
For a variety of reason, I want to run E85. But from what I'v been able to read, there are some problems with the sensor.
1. Some confusion about how it actually works. The GM part seemes to be well mapped out, but not the Ford part. But I read a comment that the code was devloped using a Ford part, which supposedly creates a differant signal. Looking at pictures, it appears to be the same component except for the size and direction of the lines.
2. If the sensor fails, it goes to straight gas and no alcohol. True? Problem?
3. A big issue is the size of the lines in and out of the sensor - 3/8" (-6) in, and 5/`16" (-5) out. The differant sized lines are so it cannot accidentally be installed backwards - which means direction of flow is important. You can't make a lot of power with lines that small. The answer seems to be placing it in the return line. Unless you're using a dead head regulater and pump, I don't see why this wouldn't work.
4. The lines are small because the stock engines don't make that much power. The 3/8" line isn't a problem, but the 5/16" could be a restriction. Is there any stock or aftermarket sensor that uses 3/8" and 3/8"?
5. Has anybody figured a way to take them apart, and fit them with AN fittings? Or any other fitting? Adapting the existing 3/8" hard line to an AN fitting is easily done with off the shelf parts. Adapting the 5/16" line is a little more of a challange, but still doable.
For a variety of reason, I want to run E85. But from what I'v been able to read, there are some problems with the sensor.
1. Some confusion about how it actually works. The GM part seemes to be well mapped out, but not the Ford part. But I read a comment that the code was devloped using a Ford part, which supposedly creates a differant signal. Looking at pictures, it appears to be the same component except for the size and direction of the lines.
2. If the sensor fails, it goes to straight gas and no alcohol. True? Problem?
3. A big issue is the size of the lines in and out of the sensor - 3/8" (-6) in, and 5/`16" (-5) out. The differant sized lines are so it cannot accidentally be installed backwards - which means direction of flow is important. You can't make a lot of power with lines that small. The answer seems to be placing it in the return line. Unless you're using a dead head regulater and pump, I don't see why this wouldn't work.
4. The lines are small because the stock engines don't make that much power. The 3/8" line isn't a problem, but the 5/16" could be a restriction. Is there any stock or aftermarket sensor that uses 3/8" and 3/8"?
5. Has anybody figured a way to take them apart, and fit them with AN fittings? Or any other fitting? Adapting the existing 3/8" hard line to an AN fitting is easily done with off the shelf parts. Adapting the 5/16" line is a little more of a challange, but still doable.