Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[kevin2306]

At a classic show today, one group of MG enthusiasts were raving about the effects of this product:

http://www.millersoils.co.uk/automotive/tds-automotive.asp?prodsegmentID=911&sector=Classics

Upto now, apart from using 99ron fuel, I havnt done anything else in the way of fuel additives etc.
Looking at the reduction of the methanol effects alone make it slightly attractive, so, snake oil or of benefit to the classic car scene?


Kev

[peter scott]

About 15 years ago on a hot day after a long run I left my car for half hour and when I come back to it its SU pump just couldn't catch a breath of liquid fuel until a further cooling period but I can't say I've noticed any vapourisation type issues in recent times just running on ordinary 95 octane unleaded.

With only a 7.3:1 compression ratio detonation has never been a problem, leastwise not that I've ever noticed.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[goneps]

"Ethanol protection" is fair enough, but pre-war engines do not need an octane boost. On the contrary, the fuels they were designed for were probably in the region of 60 octane (at a guess), and lead additives only became a common feature during the war (which is not to suggest that lead does not prolong time between overhaul).

In the early fifties, when the Korean war was on, only 72 octane "pool" petrol was available in Britain, and most engines ran well enough on that.

Some in Morris circles have been experimenting with adding 5% kerosene (heating oil, if you're fortunate to have access to it) to ameliorate the hot, dry burn and rapid flame front of modern unleaded fuels.

The logical conclusion is that putting anything higher than the lowest available octane in the tank of a pre-war British car is simply wasting money and probably doing more harm than good.

Richard

[jddevel]

I have read elsewhere that in that in early classics that it is believed that the metal work has over the years of use, absorbed sufficient lead for additives to be unnecessary. Anyone have a view here>

[kevin2306]

im specifically looking at the ethanol protection useage

Kev

[ka]

It will be interesting to read the feedback from other forum members, but I am beginning to wonder if the hype was worse than the effect.
It seems that removing lead from fuel has had little or no effect, certanly for the average historic vehicle owner, and I wonder if the addition of ethanol in fuel at the current rates is the same.
I have read the stories of fuel pipes breaking down, fuel floats in carbs becoming porous, petrol going 'off' when stored, but on a personal level, none of my classic British motorcycles seem to be suffering, neither does the car, but that is on an SU, and I have lined the fuel tank (it was leaking through the soldered joints, and is 68 years old) and replaced the fuel lines upon rebuild, so over to you.........
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KA

Better three than four.

[Riley Blue]

I edit my club's magazine. I haven't received a single report of a problem caused by ethanol - there has been complete silence since I ran a feature about the 'risks' so at the moment, in the absence of any evidence, the threat seems unfounded.

As for fuel going off; my Riley sat in its garage for five months with half a tank of Tesco unleaded. It ran perfectly on it when I started it at the beginning of April.
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David

1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5

[Rick]

As for fuel "going off", for me it seems to vary from engine to engine. The Dodge truck fires up on 6 month old fuel without problem, while our modern petrol mower refuses to start in the spring unless I drain out the previous year's fuel first.

RJ
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Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
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[P3steve]

[JohnDale]

If, as part of your planned maintenance, you check valve clearances,you will soon be aware of any valve seat recession, as it closes up the clearances.
Anyway,didn't the government spokesman say the other day that the recession was over??? Cheers,JD.
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1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

[Bitumen Boy]

[alanb]

Ethanol(alcohol) was widely used 50s & 60s, by Clevland , BP , National benzol & other up to 20% it never harmed the cars then,
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old tourer


Morris 8 two seater

[jddevel]

I agree Bitumen Boy and my age I`m cynical about everything-especially corporations and politicians. However I seem to remember my remark was made via the Rolls club but wouldn`t guarantee it.

[lowdrag]

A friend fired up his MGB the other day after a two year break due to a new hip and other health complications. The fuel was still fine, which rather surprised me, and he tells me he uses 95 octane with not much else. The car, as you can see, doesn't and never has done much mileage for the last ten years though.

[Rdover]

Here's the first reported problem with ethanol then ...

Last night I tried to sort the weeping brass fuel valve on my 1912 by polishing the parts assuming it had been damaged.. It was fine when new but over a few years (and less than 500 miles) it just leaked.

Talking to the supplier today, he told me it had been damaged by ethanol and this is backed up by The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs' research.
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Richard