Ethanol

[fontana]

Apparently, ethanol is very nasty stuff.
I'm led to believe that petrol with ethanol has a shelf life of about 6 weeks before it starts going off.
It can corrode fuel tanks, and deposits a glue like bi product in jets / injectors and fuel lines.
Does anyone use any of the many additives currently available to counter the bad effects of ethanol ?
Do they really work ?
I suppose it's impossible to really quantify but I thought I'd ask.

[JamesL]

I use Supreme petrol or whatever hoping it's a bit better for the engine, or at least someone's taken some care with the formulation. Also, I keep the tank brimmed as far as possible to minimise oxidation and try to use petrol as soon as I can. Branded petrol is perceived as higher quality than supermarket cheap stuff, whcih can be awful.

My 100RS which had basically been left standing for a decade had gummed up carbs, but otherwise I haven't had a problem. Mind you I do almost no miles on the Continent where I think ethanol is more widely used, and both my bikes get a run at least every fortnight or so, so the fuel doesn't get too much chance to go off.

You definitely have to use modern petrol asap; I had molto problems with chain saw mix going off after a month or two, now seemingly cured by switching to 2T oil with a stabiliser included, which has definitely worked.

[Pete.]

I use petrol with varying amounts of ethanol in it as evidenced by the random shades of green it has coming out of the pump of my local filling station. I can tell you one thing, it's not going to affect your aluminium fuel tank, it leaves no residue and causes no corrosion. When I cut the bottom out of my tank it looked as new as the day it was made on the inside.

[fontana]

I recently bought a Yamaha Thunderace that had been sat gathering dust for three years before I came along.
I've done nearly 5,000 miles on it so far and it hasn't missed a beat.
I guess it really is luck of the draw,

[nab 301]

F650 carbs unused for a couple of years. (a project I took on for a friend..)




Water absorption is the main problem with ethanol afaik.

[GerryB]

F650 carbs unused for a couple of years. (a project I took on for a friend..)




Water absorption is the main problem with ethanol afaik.

This is the reason so many ultrasonic cleaners are now on sale ....

[exoticices]

There's a comprehensive discussion of ethanol on the Morini forum.
I think it's publicly viewable.

http://www.morini-riders-club.com/forum ... =12&t=3021

[SP250]

Ethanol is only a problem when it disolves some of the older type of seals, o-rings or fuel pipes on older vehicles.
Or when the fuel stays in the tank for months in storage.
Because it is hygroscopic and absorbs water, making a mild acid which then attacks steel and alloy tanks and components.
The FBHVC (Federation of British classic vehicle clubs) have tested a number of fuel additives and list affected items in a fuel system as the link below on the FBHVC website.
http://fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuel ... nformation

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

Because it is hygroscopic and absorbs water, making a mild acid which then attacks steel and alloy tanks and components.

Hurrah for the R1200ST plastic tank - However I must be lucky I've never had an issue with Fuel in steel or ally tanks.

[boxerscott]

F650 carbs unused for a couple of years. (a project I took on for a friend..)




Water absorption is the main problem with ethanol afaik.

Gosh that looks like a mint takeaway!