New ethanol fuel

[Shindles]

Will I need to use additives to my fuel once the new Ethanol-based fuel arrives in filling stations?

[pruyter]

Here in the Netherlands we already have this terrible fuel (10% Ethanol) since july 2019. You certainly must not use this fuel in your Tiger!
One possibility is using additives, but another posibility is using BP Ultimate which has at least overhere 0% Ethanol. The same regards Shell V-power.
The octane rate of this both fuels is higher than normal (98!).

Regards,

Peter

[garyf]

Most Fuel sold in the UK is stated as containing up to 5% Ethanol now, even some of the 97/98 Octane rated ones?

I was told last year that ESSO Synergy Supreme + fuel sold in my area (The Midlands) contains no Ethanol and is 97 rated, I try and use this when ever I can.

I also add Millers VSP Additive to my car, it's not got Unleaded heads so I was told by the PO, so the additive helps with preservation of the Valve seats.

There is no doubt Ethanol can cause problems with old cars (I had no end of trouble with my last Classic due to, I believe Ethanol degrading rubber components in the Fuel injection Metering Unit)

So make sure you have upgraded all you Fuel Hoses to resist the ethanol in the Fuel, R14 Grade I believe is OK currently for up to 10% Ethanol.

A Link to a supplier of suitable hose

https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/ethanol-p ... gates.html

Gary

[Shindles]

Thanks to all for the help. I'm using Miller's additive and Shell V-Power and will continue to use these.

[meadowhog]

Hegarty has done some investigation into the problems but Classic and performance car owners who buy super unleaded higher octane petrol will not immediately be affected, as this is set to remain at the E5 mix for five more years.

Because ethanol is hygroscopic, it absorbs water from the atmosphere. And that water, in turn, finds its way into your car.

This can lead to condensation in fuel tanks, fuel lines and carburettors and cause corrosion in brass, copper, lead, tin and zinc components.

As ethanol is also a solvent it can eat through rubber, plastic and fibreglass, so hoses and seals are likely to perish more quickly because of the higher concentration of ethanol in E10.

Department for Transport (DfT) tests have identified problems including degradation to fuel hoses and seals, blocked fuel filters, damaged fuel pumps, corroded carbs, blocked injectors and corrosion in fuel tanks. Rubber is particularly affected.

In addition, ethanol isn’t as energy dense as petrol which means that the fuel-air mix could be leaner and may increase fuel consumption (in comparison to E5).

[garyf]

I've recently had a bout of rough running with my Tiger and I'm pretty sure it's down to the Fuel causing problems, although I normally try and use Esso Synergy+ Fuel which I thought was Ethanol free in my part of the country?

It's certainly a worry about what effect Ethanol has on the rubber components within Fuel pumps and Carburetors, I've recently changed all my Rubber Fuel hoses for new R14 Grade type so that's one less thing to worry about I suppose?

I will keep a close eye on the my fuel system, a Carburetor rebuild kit is another thing I'm considering doing for peace of mind with regards to any Rubber components that may be degrading within .

[daftlad]

when my brother refilled his trials motorcycle at the w/e I commented on the fact that the fuel smelt really stale, even though I was 6ft away, and even asked him which dark hole of the garage he had dug that out off? Surprisingly he informed me that he had just brought it from a Morrisons Fuel station that very w/e. Given that large fuel stations have high turn overs it begs the question where this batch had been and how long it had been stored?