Biofuel timebomb

[RichardH]

from Pistonheads

imminent changes at petrol pumps next year as fuels with a greater mix of bio renewables will start to become available which could harm older engines. However, due to Europe's Renewable Energy Directive (RED) higher percentages of biofuel are on their way to the UK. RED requires members of the European Union to ensure that 10 per cent of energy used in road transport is from a renewable source by 2020. Interestingly, to reach a 10 per cent renewable energy figure, a 15 per cent mix of biofuel is required.

RE: Biofuel timebomb

[Rick]

Here in the US many areas have had 15% Ethanol (derived from Corn) mixed in the gasoline for quite some time.

[Randy V]

Originally Posted by Rick

Here in the US many areas have had 15% Ethanol (derived from Corn) mixed in the gasoline for quite some time.

Yes and it sucks...

Poor fuel economy.
Poor starting in very cold weather.
Hard on fuel pumps, lines, injection systems as the alcohol literally sucks water out of the air and it corrodes everything and hardens all rubber parts.
I could go on but I just get steamed up then...

[Al Wohlstrom]

Originally Posted by Big-Foot

Yes and it sucks...

Poor fuel economy.
Poor starting in very cold weather.
Hard on fuel pumps, lines, injection systems as the alcohol literally sucks water out of the air and it corrodes everything and hardens all rubber parts.
I could go on but I just get steamed up then...

But doesn't it make you want to hug a "greenie"?

[Frank3]

'till their green !

[jyrki sulka]

Here in northern europe we have few main type of petrol; 95 oct. E10, 98 E5 and RE85.
Petrol cars runs mainly with 95E10. So far (two years) no problems after adding 5% more ethanol (was 95 oct unleaded before). Rumours and speculations were very hot against E10 1-2 years ago, but nothing serious really didn`t show up, so far. Cold starts here can be under -35 celc.

Very intresting is RE85.
It`s 85% ethanol, almost fully "recycled" stuff, octane (RON) reading is little over 100 and it`s cheap (minus 35-40%).
Of course price will rise when it`s more common (taxes etc). That`s chrystal clear future vision.
Main use is in flex-fuel cars, they can use both type of petrol with clever ecu`s.
Some of the older cars are modified for RE85 with good results. Not done yet to my daily driver; reason is lack of the RE85 pump in home city. Fuel consumption is around +25-30% more; so small savings but hey, You save the planet
Engine makes more power and runs cooler with RE without any another modification. Probably I`ll use this fuel in my 40 (If they are selling fossil-base fuel anymore when it`s ready )

[Nick]

The FBHVC is pleased to announce the results of its fuel stability additive test programme. This research was designed to test the anti-corrosive properties of proprietary additives claiming to provide a high level of protection against potential corrosion of fuel systems, including tanks, pipework and fuel metering equipment on historic vehicles caused by the addition of ethanol into petrol.

VSPe Power Plus, VSPe and EPS from Millers Oils; Ethomix from Frost A R T Ltd; Ethanolmate from Flexolite all received an ‘A’ rating in the research which enables all these products carry an endorsement from the FBHVC. The endorsement is in the form of the FBHVC logo and the words: ‘endorsed by the FBHVC as a fuel additive for protection against corrosion in metals’.

All additive manufacturers and suppliers were approached in 2011 to provide test samples for this research which was designed to simulate storage in a vehicle’s fuel tank for a 12 month period.

The FBHVC’s conference last October majored on the effects of ethanol in petrol with presentations from industry experts. It identified three issues to be considered: corrosion, compatibility and combustion. The Federation has been represented at a Fuel Stakeholders meetings with the DfT.

For details of the products please contact:

Millers’ Oils – email: enquiries@millersoils.co.uk; website: Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Fuel Additive, Millers Oils

Frost A R T Ltd – email: order@frost.co.uk; website: Classic car restoration, Kit Cars & motorcycle restoration tools and equipment | Frost Auto Restoration Techniques

Flexolite – email: sales@flexolite.co.uk; website: Flexolite : Flexolite suppliers of fluid systems for classic cars and low volume specialist vehicles


I will be using New TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15 as I have been using TETRABOOST for several years in my pre war car.

New TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15 will be available from mid September 2012. Still perfect for both road and race use, TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15 not only enables customers to mix genuine leaded 4 and 5 star fuel as before, but TetraBOOST 'E' Guard now contains anti-acid formulations designed to minimise the problems associated with ethanol water absorption and acid formulation - both for regular driving use and over-wintering situations. Currently in the UK, we have E5 (5% ethanol) with E10 on the Continent. E10 is promised in the UK for 2013 with E15 threatened for the Continent in 2014.

TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15 will offer protection up to 15% ethanol content (E15). Remember that there is no need to buy a separate anti-ethanol preparation. It comes all together in TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15. Remember too that TetraBOOST is now responsible for virtually all the leaded petrol used in the UK and for racing and touring in Europe.

TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15 additive makes 700 litres of octane boosted leaded fuel with built-in ethanol protection. Assuming 20mpg that's around 3000 miles of motoring for £120 plus £20.00 delivery to your door, almost anywhere on the UK mainland. That works out as being cheaper than original TetraBOOST plus sufficient quantities of an over the counter proprietary brand of ethanol protection. So ensure that you accept no substitutes or compromises – order new TetraBOOST 'E' Guard 15, still the worlds' finest fuel additive.