Thread: Caution with E10 fuel

Originally Posted by gromit

I've just read an article that throws up some interesting problems with E10 fuel that should be taken into consideration.

None of the fuel companies recommend it's use in boats, some of the issues raised should be considered in our vehicles.....

One of the problems would appear to be that it gradually breaks down fibreglass resin (many boats have glassfibre tanks). If you've lined your petrol tank to cure a leak will the product you used be OK with E10 ?? If you are about to 'fix' your tank it may be worthwhile checking with the manufacturer of the product you are using.

Another potential problem is that ethanol is a powerful solvent. This leads to the fuel system being cleaned out and on a boat the filters block, they suggest carrying a spare filter if you use E10. Just imagine all the rubbish that could be cleaned out of an old (unrestored) Land Rover fuel system !

If water gets into the fuel the ethanol absorbs the moisture and separates out. This can lower the octane rating and could also may mean that you end up running on neat ethanol for a while !!

Another gem was that the fuel is 'OK' for about 2 weeks. This is fine for a medium to high usage vehicle but not for something that is kept in the shed and only used occasionally. The suggestion was if used infrequently all the E10 fuel should be drained out of the system.

I'm no expert on this subject but it would be worth taking the above into acccount if your Land Rover is only used infrequently. The article was in Victoria Fishing Monthly, October issue if you want to read it in full.


Colin

I have seen iether the same or similar article in a Boating Magazine, that I brozed through in either the Tweed Heads or the Colongatta public Library. Sorry do not remember which one but it was not Victoria Fishing, but a power boating magazine.

I think that the article is unduly alarmist as far as E10 is concerned. The reason E10 is used is that at this level the ethanol is essentially dissolved in the hydrocarbon, and most of the problems of higher concentrations simply do not happen. The only ones I would be concerned with are the possible problems with tank sealer and the fact that the hygroscopic properties of the ethanol will somewhat raise the likelihood of stuff growing in your fuel - a conditioner would be indicated if not being used regularly, especially if you live in a humid climate.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I think that the article is unduly alarmist as far as E10 is concerned. The reason E10 is used is that at this level the ethanol is essentially dissolved in the hydrocarbon, and most of the problems of higher concentrations simply do not happen. The only ones I would be concerned with are the possible problems with tank sealer and the fact that the hygroscopic properties of the ethanol will somewhat raise the likelihood of stuff growing in your fuel - a conditioner would be indicated if not being used regularly, especially if you live in a humid climate.

John

I agree. Journalists motto of "dont let the facts get in the way of a good story" tends to cause unruly comment and is generally the main aim of what they are tryingt o do in the name of selling magazines etc. Personally I put journo's in the same catagory as lawyers.

However, there are a couple of things that do come out of this.
1- you are being made aware of what the do's and donts are with this type of fuel. E10 is an optional fuel so you still have a choice.

2- Should you want to use E10, you are being informed of what you need to address to adapt your vehicle to suit.

3- As E10 becomes more popular, fibreglass, sealers, rubbers etc will all become slowly available on the market suited for use with it.

Think back to how many changes had to be made to accomodate unleaded fuel when it was first introduced!

Originally Posted by gromit

. This can lower the octane rating

Colin

The series 1 motors were designed to be run on the lower grade fuels available in 3rd world environments e.g. Africa , and the Rover people made allowances for it in the design of the head... They would probably even run on power kerosene if the need arose , as some cars did during WW2. A slight drop in octane level .. just alter the A/R knob on the dissy a turn or two .

Mike

Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

However, there are a couple of things that do come out of this.
1- you are being made aware of what the do's and donts are with this type of fuel. E10 is an optional fuel so you still have a choice.

2- Should you want to use E10, you are being informed of what you need to address to adapt your vehicle to suit.

3- As E10 becomes more popular, fibreglass, sealers, rubbers etc will all become slowly available on the market suited for use with it.

Think back to how many changes had to be made to accomodate unleaded fuel when it was first introduced!

Thanks LOVEMYRANGIE, that was the reason for the post. Forewarned is forearmed...

Colin

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The article was in Victoria Fishing Monthly

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a bit suspect .....you will probably find that the mags sponsored by caltex

cheers

I ran Methanol in my race car for 2 years without cleaning it and never done any damage to a standard Holden VR V6. Most of these articles are just scare tactics from the oil companys .

Just be aware that the ethanol can effect some plastics, including some fibreglass resins. But also Oil companys don't recommend their fuel for use in an enviroment they haven't tested it in. Their lawyers play it real safe.
Plus ethanol does like to mix with water and boats see a bit of that (and some landies).