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Ugg! I bought a flex fuel truck

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Combattundra, Aug 24, 2015.

  1. Aug 24, 2015 at 9:46 PM
    #1
    Combattundra

    Combattundra [OP] New Member

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    Without knowing, I bought a ffv. No stickers or placards on the vehicle, I didn't see the very small print on the window sticker, and tiny print on the gas cap. That's kind of sneaky. B.S.
    Mine is a 2015 tundra TRD SR5, are they all coming that way now or am I just unlucky?
     
  2. Aug 25, 2015 at 2:33 AM
    #2
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    Isn't there a ffv badge on the tailgate also?

    When I was shopping for my Tundra back in 2010, I didn't come across a single ffv. Now, it's the other way around, it seems. I don't think there's anything wrong with ffv. My understanding is that there was some sort of software glitch with some ffv's, but Toyota addressed it.
     
  3. Aug 25, 2015 at 4:55 AM
    #3
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    I have seen some other posts saying the same. Window sticker, gas cap, and I think a "W" in a certain digit of the VIN. Toyota is definitely getting sneaky about it.

    Flex fuel or not, you have an awesome truck man, congrats on the buy!
     
  4. Aug 25, 2015 at 5:02 AM
    #4
    benrichardson87

    benrichardson87 New Member

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    On the bright side it's a deduction on your income taxes in some states if you have a flex fuel vechile.
     
  5. Aug 25, 2015 at 5:11 AM
    #5
    53flattie

    53flattie New Member

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    No tail gate badge any longer. It's almost like they don't want people to know...

    Don't feel bad OP - I did the exact same thing. I didn't have any positive or negative feelings about FFV when I bought mine (bc I had not joined this site yet). Later, when I learned that you can't put the supercharger on a flex fuel engine (and retain the warranty), I went out to check mine to see if it was FFV.
    DOHT!!!!!
     
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  6. Aug 25, 2015 at 5:42 AM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I wouldn't worry too much about it, OP.
     
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  7. Aug 25, 2015 at 5:47 AM
    #7
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Agreed. Not a big deal for most. Kind of sneaky though.
     
  8. Aug 25, 2015 at 6:05 AM
    #8
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    Same boat here. Not a big deal. Still one bad ass truck!
     
  9. Aug 25, 2015 at 6:26 AM
    #9
    Combattundra

    Combattundra [OP] New Member

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    Don't get me wrong I love my truck, just don't lump me in with those prius buying, tree Hugging, tofu eating weirdos!:frusty:
     
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  10. Aug 25, 2015 at 6:31 AM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Like this?: [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  11. Aug 25, 2015 at 6:45 AM
    #11
    Combattundra

    Combattundra [OP] New Member

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    Bahaaaa!
     
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  12. Aug 25, 2015 at 3:17 PM
    #12
    Machodiver

    Machodiver New Member

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    I need to check mine. Lol quick question does the ethanol gasoline give any better MPG??? Don't really care,but just a random thought.
     
  13. Aug 25, 2015 at 4:36 PM
    #13
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    E85 is cheaper but less mpg
     
  14. Aug 25, 2015 at 5:25 PM
    #14
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    ^^^Yep, does not burn as efficiently as gasoline thus burning more to achieve the same result.
     
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2015
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  15. Aug 25, 2015 at 6:37 PM
    #15
    RichWentFishing504

    RichWentFishing504 New Member

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    Don't do it. If you actually use that crap the manual says you gotta change engine oil every 2500 miles. I shit you not. Something that requires you to change oil that much can't be good for the life of the engine.
     
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  16. Aug 25, 2015 at 7:36 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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  17. Aug 25, 2015 at 7:51 PM
    #17
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Anything that is subsidized means one thing>>Not efficient. Waste of tax dollars. CORN should be grown to feed children and livestock. Not my Tundra. I was raised on a ranch/farm so I don't want to hear how much money farmers make to grow corn for cars. Not on my subsidized tax dime. Also there is a lot of BS/urban legend out there concerning FF engines. Due diligence is important before you sign the dotted line for any major purchase. For crying out loud, read the window sticker first!! I am stating this in general terms. It's not like I ever forgot to " kick all the tires first". You are not buying a dozen eggs. http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a17240/how-does-ethanol-impact-fuel-efficiency/

    Copied from TundraSolutions:

    The problem
    : information from makes it appear that all 2012 Flex Fuel Tundras require oil change at 5K miles (2.5K if Flex Fuel is used more than 50% of the time).

    Quoting from ToyotaCare brochure, "2012 Sequoia Flex Fuel and 2012 Tundra Flex Fuel (both with the 3UR-FBE engine type): This engine uses synthetic oil, but oil and filter changes are recommended every 5,000 miles. They are covered under the complimentary plan."

    The standard 5.7L engine, without Flex Fuel capability, has a 10K oil change interval and uses synthetic 0W20.

    The question: so, is there something fundamentally different about the Flex Fuel that causes it to require oil changes every 5K miles, even if E85 isn't used at all? Doesn't make sense to me.

    The answer: I called Toyota and they confirmed, after some research, that if I don't use Flex Fuel at all, the oil change interval for my 2012 Flex Fuel - capable Tundra is in fact 10K miles. This is assuming I use synthetic oil, which is specified for this engine in any case.


    Still makes no sense. WTF??? @LOTSOFTOYS please help to clarify once and for all.

    I'm thinking, "don't buy E85 ever unless that's all there is" which will never happen. Just the opposite.
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2015
  18. Aug 25, 2015 at 10:11 PM
    #18
    Mike

    Mike Tread lightly.

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    yep bank account is running low from it..
    The reason for the short oil change is simple for E85.

    To be tech about it e85 is really tech 110 ron fuel (avgas) or 105 ron depends on the mixture used.

    Now that said you cant run 105 or 110 ron fuel in your engine (stock). you will have NICE holes in the head of the pistons. Thats where the Ecm bumps the spark and timing back so it doesnt happen.

    Why change the oil so much? simple and i agree with toyota fully on there choice here.

    E85 leaves behind a residue behind its NOT all burned off ( thanks to the ecm playing basketball with spark). Now with the pistons and rings moving the residue will mix with the oil over time its very very small amounts just traces even if the rings are doing there job it still will mix(bypass rings) with the oil. Residue left behind is like a ACID. Now BIGGER problem you got is that now you have contaminated oil. Tho synthetic doesnt break down it just becomes a carrier to other parts of the engine contaminating all of it. Remember any type of acid in oil destroys bearings, rings, valve guides and will eat at main seals in turn there goes the engine.

    E85 has been i nightmare from the start.
     
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  19. Aug 26, 2015 at 5:15 AM
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    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    That makes sense.
     
  20. Aug 26, 2015 at 7:46 AM
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    Combattundra

    Combattundra [OP] New Member

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    Well I definitely won't be using flex fuel, thanks Mike.
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2015
  21. Sep 1, 2015 at 6:09 PM
    #21
    DesertToy

    DesertToy New Member

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    I have a flex fuel and I think I tried the E85 like twice. Yes your mpg will go down and you will notice it. I haven't tried using it since and never will again. I want real gas!!
     
  22. Nov 8, 2017 at 11:01 AM
    #22
    NcTundra4x4

    NcTundra4x4 New Member

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    So I was at the dealer getting an oil change and I asked my service advisor what the deal is with the flex and non flex engine. My buddy has a non flex and goes 10k mile intervals. My service advisor told me if I DO NOT run e85 AT ALL I can go 10k mile intervals like the non flex engine with full synthetic oil. Hope he is right...
     
  23. Nov 8, 2017 at 2:11 PM
    #23
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Heck..in some areas you can't even find E85. 10K oil changes are a bit much IMHO. I've gone 7K when using Mobil-1. I like to check the dipstick a lot, especially once I hit 3K.
     
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  24. Nov 8, 2017 at 3:43 PM
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    Patriot

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  25. Nov 8, 2017 at 3:47 PM
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    Black Wolf

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    This..:infantry::deadhorse:
     
  26. Nov 8, 2017 at 3:48 PM
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    Patriot

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    Yeppers! :rofl:
     
  27. Nov 8, 2017 at 3:50 PM
    #27
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I'm still waiting for the thread.."I bought a non FFV truck..now what do I do??"
     
  28. Nov 8, 2017 at 4:01 PM
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    Black Wolf

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    That was a 400 yard shot with cross wind. Dang my chemo pills with Coors are kicking in...
     
  29. Nov 12, 2017 at 6:19 AM
    #29
    scornwel

    scornwel New Member

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    When you burn E85 Formic acid can build up in the engine and, over time, can damage the surface of internal engine parts.
    FFV engines parts are coated to resist this Formic acid, but Toyota still recommends changing the oil at reduced intervals as an added protective measure.

    Running E85 in an engine without a protective coating can quickly ruin the engine.

    I hope this helps.
     
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  30. Nov 12, 2017 at 8:39 AM
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    He_need_some_milk

    He_need_some_milk New Member

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    So if you run regular 87 octane there’s at least 10% ethanol (in North Dakota at least) wouldn’t that mean better longevity in FFV engines?
     

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