* Corrosion: E85 contains a much higher percentage of ethanol than regular gasoline. Ethanol is corrosive to certain materials used in fuel systems not designed to handle it. This can lead to damage to fuel lines, fuel pumps, seals, and other components.
* Reduced Power and Performance: E85 has a lower energy density than gasoline. This means your engine will get less energy from each unit of fuel, resulting in a noticeable power loss. Your car might run rough, hesitate, or have trouble accelerating.
* Fuel System Damage: The ethanol in E85 can swell and damage certain types of rubber and plastic components in the fuel system that aren't designed for ethanol's properties. This can lead to leaks and malfunctions.
* Engine Damage: The lower energy density of E85 can lead to lean running conditions, potentially causing overheating, damaged pistons, and even engine detonation (knocking).
* Sensor Malfunction: E85 can affect the operation of oxygen sensors (O2 sensors) and other sensors critical for proper engine operation, potentially leading to misfires or other problems.
* Increased Wear and Tear: The corrosive nature of ethanol can accelerate wear and tear on various engine components.
In short, running E85 in a non-FFV vehicle is almost guaranteed to cause problems, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious and costly engine damage. Do not do this. If you have a non-FFV vehicle, stick to the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer.
