Biofuel
concerns with classic MGs Since the introduction of ethanol in
motor fuels in the UK and overseas there have been concerns over the effects of
biofuel on older cars, particularly classic cars. There seem to be three areas
of concern with biofuel and classic cars - corrosion, damage to seals and
combustion issues. Corrosion concerns Biofuels, particularly
when stored for lengthy periods in a classic car laid up for periods during the
winter months, attract water leading to corrosion in classic car fuel storage
tanks and fuel supply systems. The FBHVC is actively working on these issues and
have commissioned tests of corrosion inhibitors and have plans to encourage the
distribution of an inhibitor for classic car enthusiasts. Compatibility
concerns over the effects of biofuels on the rubber components and seals
A number of members have experienced difficulties with damage to the rubber components
and seals on classic car fuel systems. The concerns are what damage does biofuels
cause and what replacement parts are recommended by key suppliers like Burlen
and other aftermarket spares suppliers for SU fuel systems and where can they
be obtained. Combustion concerns Petrol currently available
at petrol pumps in the UK contains a different mix of hydrocarbons to the mix
in fuel available in the 1970s when the MGBGTV8 with its SU carburrettors was
manufactured. The concerns are current fuels are now designed to suit modern fuel
injected engines and may cause some tuning issues for carburettored engines and
other combustion issues. As these issues affect a range of classic cars we await
clarification from fellow Club members with technical knowledge of the complex
combustion issues and the views of the FBHVC.
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Index
to articles on these biofuel topics available on the V8 website
Introduction of E10 petrol is not good news for classic cars The
DfT launched a consultation on 20th July 2018 on whether and how it should introduce
E10 fuel to the UK market. E10 contains more bioethanol than traditional petrol.
More 180720
No
immediate plans to roll out E10 un the UK In the latest FBHVC Newsletter
there is an interesting item that should serve to allay fears of a rapid introduction
in the UK of E10 fuel and phase out of E5. More
170208
"Very
likely" that UK will introduce E10 An article
in the Daily Telegraph today (14th July 2016) sets out how the UK is likely
to "press ahead with plans to hit EU renewable energy targets despite Brexit
including the introduction of a new "green" petrol adding 1p a litre
to prices at the pump". The transport minister, Andrew Jones, said it
was "very likely" the UK would introduce a new kind of petrol called
E10 which contains a higher proportion of biofuels than current petrol, in
order to meet a sub-target requiring 10% of transport enery to be renewable".
More 160714
Ethanol concerns in the US A Wall Street Journal article
highlights some disturbing features of the ethanol production for motor fuel in
the US. 140427 More
Biofuel
in petrol in the UK An update from the FBHVC.
140211 More
Big
Ethanol finally loses The political fuel is losing support as its costs
and harm grow. 131119 More
Legal
requirement for an E5 protection grade of petrol for engines that
are not compatible with E10 extended for a further 3 years to the end of 2016 See
the consultation announced on 29th August 2013 and an impact assessment of the
measures. 130829 More
The Trouble with Biofuels: Costs and Consequences of Expanding Biofuel Use
- report from Chatham House We have since heard from the author of that
report, Rob Bailey, that the copy featured in the article was a draft which was
subsequently revised before publication. Our link here is to the final version
of the report published by Chatham House in the United Kingdom. 130521
More
E10 on sale in the UK
in 2013? The legislative process to permit the introduction of petrol
containing up to 10% ethanol is expected to be completed by very late 2012 or
early 2013. Then E10 may be sold at petrol stations, but unlike petrol containing
5% ethanol, which is already on sale, and which carries no label, E10 must be
labelled. 161212 More
Update on the early availability of E10 in the UK The FBHVC and
and member clubs have previously been led to believe that the widespread introduction
of E10 fuel was unlikely before 2015. However, following a recent stakeholder
meeting at the Department for Transport it does seem that this has changed and
E10 could be with us as early as 2013. 011012
More
E10 could be on sale in the UK from early 2013
At a meeting with the BSI attended by the fuel specialist at the FBHVC it was
revealed that E10 could be on sale in the UK from early 2013. This appears to
contradict statements made by the DfT earlier in 2012. The meeting also covered
E10 labelling and fuel volatility issues. 010812
More Soaring corn prices and motor
fuel ethanol With no obvious large suppliers to make up for the drought
ravaged corn crop, the US is seeing stocks close to record lows and analysts believe
demand must be pegged back. The biggest potential for a reduction in corn demand
in the US comes from the ethanol industry. More
Extracts from the FBHVC's latest newsletter on fuel matters. 200412
More Independent tests of corrosion
inhibitor additives concluded and FBHVC issues product endorsements. 130412
More Good chance super
grade fuel in the UK has no ethanol. See our NEWS item on a recent DfT ethanol
fuel meeting. 010312 More
Further delays with the fuel stability additives tests because difficulties
were experienced in making the tests severe enough to ensure that candidate additives
were adequately put through their paces. This unfortunately led to further delays
while the test protocol was refined to ensure that the method would select only
those candidate additives offering real protection against potential corrosion
from petrol containing ethanol.120212 More
What are the concerns with biofuel for MG enthusiasts? An article published
in the January 2012 issue of Safety Fast! which includes information from a meeting
with Burlen SU. 010112 More
E10 coming in 2012. 221111 More
Corrosion inhibiter additive update. 071111
More Corrosion inhibitor launched
by Frost. 130611 More
Corrosion inhibitor additive testing programme is being arranged by the FBHVC.
230511 More
Ethanol benefits questioned in report for DfT. 040211
More
Corrosion inhibitor additive coming for petrol with added biofuel.
310311 More
FBHVC news on the Qinetiq report on the effects of fuels with a higher ethanol
content . 310111 More
Bio fuels concerns for classic car enthusiasts. 231210
More Additives for use with
biofuels may be available soon containing corrosion inhibitor, stability improver
and biocide products. 051110
More Shell offer
"save up to one litre per tank" using their new fuel. 090810
More
Modern fuels damaging classic MG fuel system components? 090210
More
"No longer the case that Shell V-Power petrol is guaranteed not to contain
ethanol". 012209 More
Concerns over ethanol
and the effects on the carburettors and rubber seals of classic cars like MGBV8s.
081209 More
Update on the current topic: are modern fuels damaging rubber components?
280408 More
Modern fuels damaging rubber components? 250108
More Modern fuels damaging
rubber components? 110108 More
Modern fuels damaging rubber components? 110108
More |