The following is a very very short resume of highlights from the RACV response to a AOMC request for a report on ethanol blended fuels and classic vehicles. The July 2010 RACV report was prepared by their Research Engineer Daniel Wood from a 240 page scientific paper by Orbital Engines P/L and several other research papers.
The report attempts to clarify the situation for Victorian motorists by addressing common questions and misconceptions.
Executive Summary- - - - - - RACV must stress that ethanol blended fuels should not be used in carburettor equipped vehicles. A list of vehicles that can use ethanol blended fuels is available on the FCAI website. As a general rule no vehicle built before 1986 should be run on ethanol blended fuel, and vehicles built in 1986 or after should only do so at the manufacturer’s recommendations. Reasoning for this comes from multiple fronts: materials compatibility, fuel metering, durability and performance. In general both the environmental and financial benefits of E10 ethanol blend will not be realised in a pre 1986 vehicle.
Should I run my classic vehicle on an ethanol blended fuel ? No, vehicles built before 1986 are not considered compatible - - - - - - also vehicles fitted with a carburettor - - - - - - - fuel injected vehicles that have not been compatible to ethanol blends should also avoid ethanol blends.
What happens if I do put E10 ethanol fuel in my classic vehicle ? The results will vary, - - - - - - the followingissues among others were raised, regarding vehicles considered incompatible with ethanol blends.
Performance and drivability.
Hesitation on acceleration
Difficult starting
Stalling
Durability.
Loss of compression
Higher combustion temperatures
Premature engine failure due to piston and valve deposits
Blocked fuel filters, increased debris in fuel lines
Material compatibility.
Fuel hoses shrinking and swelling
Failure of diaphragms and accelerator plunger seals
Corrosion of carburettor, leading to possible sticking throttle
The Classic Motor Cycle Club of Victoria inc. is a financial member of the AOMC [Association of Motoring Clubs]
