From zero posts to two in one day!
I was reading a recent RTE article on the change to E10 fuel, thank you Greens.. ☹
https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0223/1358479-ethanol-petrol/
That lead me to look for other articles, and I found a good one on Irish Vintage Scene explaining it in more detail for a layman likemyself.
https://www.irishvintagescene.ie/e10-problems-for-vintage-classic-cars/
They explain clearly about the various complications such a higher water content in vehicle lying idle and the damage from rust, swelling of paper filters etc. Lower octane, reduced mileage… the list went on but the biggest concern for me and I am sure most owners of older vehicles is the potential damage to fuel lines and parts made from aluminium or rubber. Fuel lines, Carb and fuel injection parts in pre 1995 cars apparently are most susceptible to disintegrate as a result of using E10 and the higher ethanol content.
In the article they recommended using additives. I already use a lead replacement additive in my 74 TR6 PI as it ddnt havet he head done, but they recommended some “three in one” additives that increase octane levels, replace lead and also protect against the ethanol for example Miller VSPe power plus. They also recommended using a waterless coolant like Evans Classic 180 which doesn’t boil over like water.
Naturally I am considering both and wanted to get thoughts from others on likely effectiveness?
Maybe other markets have had this problem for longer and there is some evidence that it can work?
I did read that the North and the UK were on E10 a long time ago, is that true? My car came from the North and I know the owner was only using a lead additive?
I did see Moss selling kits to upgrade fuel lines and other parts to Ethanol Proof lines, but they are expensive to begin with and I am sure there is a lot of fiddling around to change it all out?
So in summary, what are you guys thinking or planning to do in this regard?
Additives only?
Changing coolants?
Upgrading systems?
All of the above?
I am planning to take my TR to Spain on the Ferry in July, adnd drive her down to Algarve over a couple of days so would appreciate thoughts on the above.
Thanks
Pete
Replies
Of course, as i was reading i was filling up the rad with water at the same time! Notions!
Remember reading about a hybrid oat (hoat coolant) offers best of both worlds..long life of oat coolant but with iat corrosion protection
IAT is the blue colour stuff from Halfords, also came across this piece of info Antifreeze for Classics
Hi Pete .
I suppose best advice is change all rubber fuel hose to E10 complying hose. Or as in my case I used braded nylon cored hose supplied by a local hydraulic pipe supplier.
There are a number of fuel additives that claim to solve the issues with E10 ie moisture in fuel.
From memory the only coolant to use in our old cast iron engines is IAT. (inorganic acid tech). And not OAT.
Derek.
Thanks Derek,
Could you share the name of the supplier you used?
I will definitely upgrade mine before my road trip!
Moss do gates ethanol proof braided line by the meter, but I am sure that local is cheaper.
Peter