Which Ethanol Content Sensor To Use

[jamesdt]

For use guys that are running a flex fuel set up. Which content sensor are you using and what did it cost? I can get a genuine gm sensor which is the flow through type for around $200. I have not seen to many more for sale that are available locally

[scotty nm35]

GM use a continental sensor, which is available for around $60-70 delivered if you search around in the US.

[Hanaldo]

I'm using the continental sensor. Works really well.

[negativecamber]

I am after the same thing but it's not like there is just one type and the prices vary between continental types too.

[PSI086]

Just about to look into doing this on my car. I presume this sensor will work fine?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151318067213?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m159.l1634&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2661

[ARTZ]

Yup that's the one...about time.they were cheap and readily available...

[iruvyouskyrine]

If I was to use an Adaptronic Select plug in ECU will this be compatible with it?

[Dose Pipe Sutututu]

If I was to use an Adaptronic Select plug in ECU will this be compatible with it?

Yes, but remember adaptronic ECU doesn't truly do flex fuel - as it doesn't have the capability to blend maps like say a haltech as such.. it just adds/deducts timing and compensates fuel based on rpm/load.

good enough if you're mainly using E85 and pop in the occasional 98 or blends

[Blackkers]

Do you just pop the sensor inline in the return line then call it a day?

[Piggaz]

Pretty much.

[Dose Pipe Sutututu]

Do you just pop the sensor inline in the return line then call it a day?

yepp and connect the sensor up.. if you're really tight you can connect the output to a digital volt gauge to measure ethanol content.

0V = no ethanol

1V = 20%

2V = 40%

3V = 60%

4V = 80%

5V = 100% ethanol

[Kinks]

Yes, but remember adaptronic ECU doesn't truly do flex fuel - as it doesn't have the capability to blend maps like say a haltech as such.. it just adds/deducts timing and compensates fuel based on rpm/load.

good enough if you're mainly using E85 and pop in the occasional 98 or blends

I was reading a paper linked on the adaptronic forums that talked about ethanol content and knock resistance - peak ignition timing for port injected engines is at about 40% ethanol content and additional ethanol doesn't benefit knock resistance. it was interesting reading as it means your fuel map needs to vary from 0% to 85% ethanol (to get mixtures right) but the ignition map probably only needs to vary between 0% and 40% ethanol content. (I say probably - I'm not a tuner!). So even blending maps may not produce a perfect result, although it would be conservative with the ignition timing on a partial blend which is a safe option.

[iruvyouskyrine]

Got a link to the thread mate?

[89CAL]

quick question, I'm looking at adding an ethanol sensor to my Link G4 sometime before the end of the year. The wiring manual for the continental sensor shows a +14v output from the ECU to the sensor, but there is no such output of voltage from the ECU. I'm thinking this is just a power source from battery/ignition but obviously I don't want to fry the ECU so can anyone help me out.

I feel like this is maybe a silly question but oh well lol

[Sick_R31]

Your correct, use a +14v ignition switched supply.

[Ben C34]

yepp and connect the sensor up.. if you're really tight you can connect the output to a digital volt gauge to measure ethanol content.

0V = no ethanol

1V = 20%

2V = 40%

3V = 60%

4V = 80%

5V = 100% ethanol

Hmm.

But the sensors output a frequency, 50 to 125 hertz if I remember correctly.

The whole point of the zeitronix box is to convert that to a voltage. If you didn't need it why would people buy it?

Edited June 14, 2014 by Ben C34

[Kinks]

Got a link to the thread mate?

Can't find it on adaptronic forums, i think it was one of the discussions on flex fuel. Here's the actual paper though (see link down the bottom to PDF):

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/69496

[89CAL]

Your correct, use a +14v ignition switched supply.

Thanks

I figured as much, the wiring drawing just confused me because it shows a 14v supply straight from the ECU. Figured that must have been just a switched power supply, but wasn't real keen to blow up the ECU so had to ask lol

[Mitchee]

The Continental/Siemens sensors send out a digital signal where frequency is related to ethanol content, and pulsewidth is related to fuel temperature.

50hz = 0%, 150hz = 100%

1ms = -40deg, 5ms = 125deg

[ARTZ]

Thanks

I figured as much, the wiring drawing just confused me because it shows a 14v supply straight from the ECU. Figured that must have been just a switched power supply, but wasn't real keen to blow up the ECU so had to ask lol

you got a diagram of that mate?

also anyone know where to buy the sensor plug?

I have sensor here but not sure how to wire it...