2017 Ford F150 XL 6 cylinder Regular Cab (ok, cab not important but it's not like I have a work crew why pay extra)
3.5L V6 TIVCT FFV Engine
ELEC 6-Speed automatic transmission w/ tow mod, 2 wheel drive
DEALERSHIP: I-75 Motors Lake City, FL
March 30th I bought a used F150 and everything checked out. No rust, engine sounded great, Ford makes good trucks and Chevy has issues right now. BUT...I never thought you had to check to see what kind of fuel it takes like octane levels. You go with what is recommended by the manufacturer. I get that.
BUT...I did not know anything about "easy fuel" or flex fuel. Better yet, I never even knew e-85 fuel exists. And there are no pumps in Lake City or Gainesville that I have yet to find that even sells e-85 fuel and it doesn't make any sense to drive all the way to St. Augustine if they do. So, today I filled it up with premium fuel 93 octane. After all, the owners manual recommends you do that after you change the oil which means it can run on that gas. But with every fill up?
Looks like I have to use 89 or 93 fuel since e-85 is not in my area as far as I know. Am I missing something. And so I'm not the only guy in Columbia County who has a 3.5 V6 engine.
So Scotty, CAN I USE THE USUAL GAS THAT HAS UP TO 10% ETHANOL. If this was a V8 I'd option to use NO Ethanol since we do have those pumps but right now I don't have that option.
If there is a good up to date phone app that shows where e-85 fuel is that would also be great.
Before filling up (and this was the last fill up) I did it when the tank was at 40% fuel since if it did have that gas at least I switched somewhat gradually.
I don't mind asking the people at FORD but they just might tell me anything that is convenient for them.
Flex Fuel just means you can run gas or E85. Your vehicle will run just fine on plain gasoline. E85 is more expensive and gives a little more power but much less MPG.
Just make sure you don't mix fuels and don't change back and forth frequently.
Thanks for your answer. After asking I found other sites that gave the same answer as yours...it means a lot more from a ASE Certified Master Mechanic so I appreciate your answer. Now I feel a whole lot better, confident, about my truck. Runs great, like new condition, seems like the original owner kept the fluids changed.
I'm all too happy to help. That's what we are all here for. Sounds like you have yourself a good truck. Hopefully now you can pull up to the pumps without any concerns of causing problems with your motor. Hope you get a long life out of it. Be safe out there! {blackemo}:hotdrink: