Somewhat related to an ongoing thread, but different-
Our local newspaper had an article today about folks who do not have flex fuel vehicles, but do burn high ratios of ethanol. They fill from two pumps, one E85, one gasoline, and so tailor their own mixtures.
Since ethanol requires a much richer mixture than gasoline, doesn't this substantially lean out the mixture? I know ethanol will burn quite rich, but how LEAN will it go? Also, doesn't this risk valves and pistons? I remember cases of folks with race cars running lean mixtures and doing a lot of damage.
Also, this brings up a question. I understand flex fuel cars have a sensor in the fuel system that measures the gasoline/ethanol mixture ratio so ithe EFI can adjust the mixture accordingly. What kind of sensor is that? I used to work in sensor R&D, but chemical sensors are not my strong point.