Put ethanol in my tank. Anything I should look out for?

Question

I accidentally put about 6 gallons of E-85 in the tank of my 2001 Saturn SL2 over the weekend.  I have a 12 gallon tank and had about 3 to 4 gallons of regular gas in the car at the time.   I only drove it for 20 feet after putting the ethanol in, just enough to get it away from the pump.   I'm having the tank siphoned and having premium gas put in.  Should I also have a fuel system clean out done or replace the fuel filter?  Given that the fuel sat in my tank over the weekend until the shop opened this morning should I worry about corrosion in the tank?  My car is high mileage.  It's around 130,000....

golgafrincham · Accepted Answer

I wouldn't worry about it if this is the only time you've done it.  The check engine light will come on, and it will say you need to check your MAP/MAF sensor.  Run the gas through and use regular gas (unless your manual says you MUST use premium).  The E85 will get about 20%-25% worse gas mileage than regular petrol.  No need to siphon the E85 or replace fuel filter (unless the filter needed replacement BEFORE you put E85 in the tank).

friedach · Answer

check with maker for e operation.  in some cars it destroys rubbers in the fuel system, but most modern cars are ok.  you might be able to use it as a blend at say 25% E85, but no gaurantees-it may knock/ping too much.  Perhaps someone else can use it?

Anonymous · Answer

I would surely replace the fuel filter, ethanol clogs fuel filters

Put ethanol in my tank. Anything I should look out for?

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