Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[peter scott]

I just read a letter in the SS Register News that will appeal to everyone who finds fuel costs biting.

The letter, written by someone with knowledge of fuels for both motoring and aviation, gives a few interesting tips for filling up at the pumps:

1. Petrol expands significantly when warm so only fill up first thing in the morning before the sun has had time to increase the volume in the underground storage tanks. Petrol pumps take no account of temperature.

2. Do not deliver the petrol to your car at maximum pump speed. All pump hoses have a vapour return and if pumping at high speed more of the fuel
is vapourised and returns rather than reaching your tank.

3. Petrol vapourises very easily so keep your tank well topped up to minimise the air space and thus reduce the effect. Apparently the storage tanks have a floating ceiling to alleviate this problem for the filling stations.

Peter

[62rebel]

not only will keeping the tank topped up stop the petrol from evaporating as quickly, it will inhibit the formation of condensation which sours petrol and forms rust, two byproducts we can do without.
of course, keeping the tank topped up creates other problems; finding the cash to do it, and keeping the petrol once you've bought it! thieves are cunning little b@st@rds and there's not much can be done to effectively stop them.

[Mog]

I was told or read, never set the fuel pump on a set amount. You will always be short changed in the fuel you get.

[Scotty]

The "keeping the tank full" debate has always makes me wonder as to the benefits against the down-side. Whilst not disagreeing with those who advocate the full tank view, how much extra does it cost carrying "unused fuel" around?

If you consider a gallon of fuel probably weighs (very roughly) 10 lbs / 4.5 kg and if your tank holds for example 10 gallons / 45 litres, then keeping it only half full would save you lugging around 50 lbs / 22.7 kgs of unnecessary weight.

Now I realise that for many of us who only use our classic on an occasional basis this isn't going to make much of a difference (but a difference nevertheless), however if the full tank view was accepted into the general motoring public could it make a significant difference?

Food for thought?

[62rebel]

the weight offset would not equal the risk of damage from condensation IMHO. nor would it offset the inconvenience of running out.

[xkjag-nz]

or of course the fannying around sitting waiting at petrol stations while the dipsh£* in front of you decides to do their weekly shop in the service station shop

petrol is now 85p a litre here ----- shocking

[Mog]

To remove water from your petrol tank, add some methylated spirits. I suggest an egg cup full to a tank full. I have done a lab. test using test tubes and it does work.

[Mog]

In reply to Peter Scott, I doubt that the sun will have very, very little effect on an underground tank. From winter to summer, yes, day by day, no.

[peter scott]

Hi Mog,

What's the principle behind the meths to remove water?

Peter

[47Jag]

Peter,

They sell it in the States as 'Gas line anti-freeze' but I think it's called Methyl Hydrate. Is that different from Methylated spirits?

Art [/quote]

[peter scott]

Hi Art,

But how does it remove the water?

Peter

[47Jag]

Peter,

I don't know but it works (absorbtion?). I spent 13 years in Canada and most people put it in their tanks during the winter. It works with diesel too.
We need a chemists opinion.

Art

[zandycap]

[Greeney in France]

Clear as mud
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