Ethanol in fuel

[Rusty Pelican]

Seems the powers that be have / are changing the very fuel we rely on , read this linky as its a bit involved , surfise to say its not great news , I already know of one person whos car has refused to start after a month idle due to this fuel seperation ( phase seperation ) and water ingress . seems this new stuff is hydroscopic of sorts

Avalable at a station near you now or soon

 

http://www.fuel-testers.com/about_ethanol_fuel.html

[Tayne]

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[CreepingJesus]

I know there's been various moves in the commercial vehicle world to use more bio fuels. Mostly it's been the vehicle manufacturers who've been cool towards the idea, mostly for the reasons that site details. Damage to union seals, hoses and cylinder walls (due to lubricant depletion), not to mention pumps and injectors are often the cited reasons.

But I have to say, fuel's always been hygroscopic; and prone to 'going off' if left - petrol's an extremely volatile substance, which starts to flash off at 23 degrees (IIRC from studying the BS documents for fuel station design years ago) after all. It's always had a short shelf-life, and most of the problems described.

I'm sensing a bit of truth, manipulated to sell some testing kits, here.

[gtd2000]

Most of the pumps here in Florida state 10% ethanol or less in the fuel.

 

Can't say I've noticed any problems using it over any other blend of fuel.

[nigel bickle]

I find that cars laid up 10+ years- fuel is probably stale; & is obvious

 

Over 5 years -prob Ok(ish)

 

Less than 2years- useless-probably gummed the tank & fuel lines solid.

 

6 months- just about OK-but it varies substantially.

 

I'm also finding fuel flexi's are rotting out in bizarre places now - not necessarily where you'd expect. Only proper option is replacement.