Rav4 petrol 1999 can I use ETHANOL e85?

[PierreLaPierre]

Hello to one and all

I have a Rav4 2.0 petrol 1999/2000 mark 1 and someone mentioned that I could run her on ethanol for the obvious lower running costs. Can anyone tell me if I can just fill her up and go or do I need a kit fitted and if so can anyone recommend a particular/specific kit? thank you. 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Don't think E85 is generally available in the UK. 

UK fuel already contains 5% ethanol, and the Government allowed this to increase to 10% in 2013, but not sure fuel companies have raised the level to any great extent.

My owners manual warns that ethanol in a greater percentage mix than 10% may damage the fuel system.

Moved to the Rav4 club

[gjnorthall]

Are you suggesting running on pure ethanol? As noted above - ethanol above about 10% particularly if used in an older vehicle may well cause engine damage as well as damage to peripheral items such as fuel pumps. Ethanol containing fuels also increase fuel consumption and adversely affect performance.

[gjnorthall]

Ignore first sentence - didn’t see E85 in title.

[Timo Ruoranen]

Just converted 1,6 VVTi engine to E85 (85%ethanol/15%petrol)

I only change 1,8 VVTi engine fuel injectors to 1,6 engine. Just plug and play.

After 2 days and 5 cold start (100 km drive) ECU have adjusted parameters on correct level according to emissions.

Runs smoothly and more power on high revs. 

 

Waiting cold weathers (-10 to -25 degrees) and staring problems.

There is no staring problems jet , in temperature range 0 - +10

 

Timo, Finland