Tried E85 today

[thebig450es]

I tried about a 10-15% E85 and WOW did it wake it up. I have stock settings except 42 pilot and 172mj. I may try 25-30% wedsday.

[honda400ex2003]

holy main jet 450. that is a big one to run it must be really thirsty. lol, steve

[thebig450es]

i really haven't noticed that much, but with the E85 leaning it out it's really coming into proper mix.

[ae13291]

humm thats pretty kool, i wish e85 was available around my area, i just use leaded gas with differant additives

[thebig450es]

I can wheelie Alot easier, power is better over the whole RPM range. I'll keep everyone updated. Plus its only $2 a gallon and its only a 5 min drive away.

[F-16Guy]

It probably woke it up because you're way too rich on the main jet. Unless you have some motor work, you shouldn't be getting out of the 150's on the main. With a 172, you could probably run 100% E85 and still be rich.

[thebig450es]

Ive seen people running 100% E85 who need about 230 main jet. It runs pretty good with out the E85, but i wanted to run E85 when i jetted.

[F-16Guy]

Maybe with a modded motor and a 450r carb, but not a basically stock 400ex with a stock carb. I think if you buy $20 worth of jets in the next few smaller sizes (maybe 155 through 165), you'd see a huge difference somewhere in that range. I have an 11:1 416 with a stage 1 HotCams cam and a slip-on, and I have a 42 pilot and 162 main, and it's crisp. Even with a full exhaust, I find it hard to believe that a basically stock 400ex would run good with a 172 main. If it does, then you probably have an air leak somewhere. Try going down a few sizes and see if it improves.

[Joshbeasley]

i work at a car dealership and we have an account that does nothing but delivery services. they started using e85 for a little and had fuel system problems. the fuel pumps were going out, and seals kept drying out. they use gasoline now.

[katch26]

Originally posted by F-16Guy
Maybe with a modded motor and a 450r carb, but not a basically stock 400ex with a stock carb. I think if you buy $20 worth of jets in the next few smaller sizes (maybe 155 through 165), you'd see a huge difference somewhere in that range. I have an 11:1 416 with a stage 1 HotCams cam and a slip-on, and I have a 42 pilot and 162 main, and it's crisp. Even with a full exhaust, I find it hard to believe that a basically stock 400ex would run good with a 172 main. If it does, then you probably have an air leak somewhere. Try going down a few sizes and see if it improves.

doesnt e85 require more fuel for the same burn as gas?

[thebig450es]

It uses about 30% more fuel so a 160mj on gas you need about 200mj on E85

[Wheelie]

I'm running a 240 main jet with 80% E85--a tank of fuel doesn't last as long as it used too. It's a great fuel. Smells killer in the gas can and when it comes out of the back of my quad.

For those tuning for E85, start out at 25% more fuel than gasoline.

5 months on this fuel without a glitch. :macho

[Snipe]

I run a 172 Keihin jet in my stock 400 carb and it runs perfect best its ran since I bought it.

[thebig450es]

Went riding today its running great, i think i may need to go alittle higher on the pilot jet, maybe 48ish

[Snipe]

Has anyone had any problems with pitting or anything on any metal parts such as carb or pistons? I know that e85 will eat braided fuel lines up and out.

I have seen it on the city trucks that I had to fix because of it. as e85 can hold water and isnt ment to set for long.