E10 is the new grade of unleaded petrol that the British Government will introduce from September 1st 2021. It is potentially damaging to modern classics, classic cars and motorbikes alike.
Experts warn that the introduction of E10 is the most significant threat to old cars since the switch from leaded to unleaded fuel.
There are 3 key areas of concern that classic car owners should be aware of. See Below
1.
Corrosion of metal components.
Although many cars run on E5 without significant problems, doubling the amount of ethanol in the fuel can cause a variety of issues in classic/vintage cars. Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. And that water, in turn, finds its way into your car. It can lead to condensation in fuel tanks, fuel lines and carburettors and cause corrosion in brass, copper, lead, tin and zinc components.
2.
Elastomer compatibility - swelling, shrinking and cracking of elastomers (seals and flexible pipes) and other unsuitable gasket materials
As ethanol is also a solvent it can eat through rubber, plastic and fibreglass, so hoses and seals are likely to perish more quickly because of the higher concentration of ethanol in E10. In Department for Transport tests, problems identified included degradation to fuel hoses and seals, blocked fuel filters, damaged fuel pumps, corroded carburettors and corrosion in fuel tanks. Rubber is particularly affected
3.
Air/fuel ratio enleanment
Ethanol contains approx. 35% oxygen by weight and will therefore result in fuel mixture enleanment when blended into petrol. Petrol containing 10% ethanol for example, would result in a mixture leaning effect equivalent to approx. 2.6%, which may be felt as a power loss, driveability issues like hesitation, stalling or flat spots, but also could contribute to hotter running. To counter this, adjusting mixture strength is advised to maintain performance, driveability and protect from overheating or knock at high loads.
So what are the options?
At the moment, you could just fill up with the higher octane 'super unleaded' fuels. These are to remain available at forecourts, though the number of pumps now being converted to just E10 and diesel is quite alarming. One of my local 'large chain' filling stations for instance, has done away with Super Unleaded on all but 2 of its 12 pumps.
So you have either got to use fuel with no ethanol or change the materials that don’t like it.
Converting all components that come into contact with the fuel to an Ethanol compatible material is the most obvious solution.
If you are in any doubt about your rubber fuel lines, we can change them. The other thing ethanol really doesn’t like is solder. If you are running a soldered brass float in your carburettor then think about carrying a spare or let us change them for ethanol resistant plastic ones if available.
Autopride provide an E10 conversion service, which in most cases isn't as involved as you might fear.
While what is possible may vary slightly from car to car, depending on components available, however, in general the conversion process will involve the following:
All fuel lines are replaced with E10 compatible hose
The in-line fuel filter is replaced with an E10 rated component
The fuel pump is replaced with an E10 rated component
Carburettors are stripped, cleaned, fully serviced (if needed) and any cork gaskets are replaced with E10 rated alternatives (where possible)
Carburetion is altered to provide a slightly richer mixture, either by adjustment where the units allow, or the replacement of jets and emulsion tubes and re-tuned once installed
Prices cannot be stated here as they will vary depending on the car, available components and which elements are needed, but please contact us and we can provide this costing when we know which vehicle and fuel delivery system you have.
All the required changes are straight forward to do, but if you aren't comfortable making adjustment to, or updating your fuel system, please let us help you. Just drop us a message or give us a call
There is further in-depth information and advice on the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC)websitehere
'Some aftermarket ethanol compatibility additives claim complete protection for operating historic and classic vehicles on E10 petrol. The FBHVC is not aware of, or has tested any additives that claim complete fuel system protection with respect to elastomer and gasket materials for use with E10 petrol. The FBHVC therefore recommends that elastomer and gasket materials are replaced with ethanol compatible materials before operation on E10 petrol'.
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