Re: tuning ECO to run on alcohol

"Bob Paulin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:

> Alan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in article
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> > I'm looking for info on how to tune my car's computer so I can use
> > 100% alcohol as fuel ... anyone got any pointers, suggestions where to
> > ask, ideas ... please
> > 
> > the plan is to distill my own fuel at home (here in the US you can get
> > a free license to distill up to 10,000 gals per year)  ... cost
> > estimate is under 25 cents/gal ... beats petro-gas!
> > 
> > I've been told that most US auto manufaturers still sell (but don't
> > advertise in California!) cars that can use alcohol fuel (one pleasant
> > legacy of the Carter years) but i don't want to buy a new car ... have
> > a '97 Volvo 850 T5 and '93 Dodge Caravan 3.3L, so hoping to get info
> > for both those
> > 
> > also, need info on OBD II pinouts / connectors for laptops / PDAs ...
> > suggestions?

There seems to be a whole underground of OBD II hobbyists; I bet a
Google search would turn up lots of information.

> General rule of thumb in racing is that you need approximately twice the
> volume of alcohol as gasoline. 

Yup, both ethanol and methanol have about half the specific energy
content of gasoline.

> I doubt if tweaking the computer will be enough. You'll likely have to
> change injectors, fuel pump, etc.

Right. And flexible-fuel vehicles from the factory already have this
done. And they have all their fuel lines and components made from
materials that won't be attacked by alcohol. And, as I recall, the
Ford Taurus FFV used synthetic oil exclusively, as that was more
resistant to the solvent effects of alcohol.

-- 
-Stephen H. Westin
Any information or opinions in this message are mine: they do not
represent the position of Cornell University or any of its sponsors.