Reply To: Ethanol in Petrol, engine coolant and tyre pressures

Thanks David and Bernie,

Tyre pressures – OK

Coolant. The premix from Citroen Classics looks good but I have raised a query with them regarding the comment “With 15 psi Cap” on the label.

Is this the liquid gold you were referring to, Bernie?

I am inclined to use a modern coolant to minimise corrosion – I remember the rusty mud that used to come out of engines and radiators in the good old days.

Petrol. I too have been using E10 in my “modern” (1993) Voyager with no apparent ill effects as yet. When I rebuilt my petrol pump, the new diaphragm and valves were specified as OK for ethanol, so I hope that is OK.

I have doing some research on the SP95/SP98/E5/E10 story on some French forums and it is clearly worrying owners of classic and ageing vehicles there too. It appears that the Eurocrats have decreed that we shall have ethanol. I think that SP98 already contains up to 5% ethanol as does standard SP95. SP95 E10 contains “up to” 10% but it seems that, in reality, it is generally around 7%.  A petrol company rep has indicated that where forecourt space allows, both SP95 and SP95 E10, together with SP98 will be available. If there is insufficient space, E10 will be the first to go.  I am not sure I believe that as I have not seen much straight SP95 recently. Also SP95 and SP98 will only be produced as long as there is a sufficient demand.

As the number of incompatible cars reduces, the low ethanol products will disappear and we will have to use E10 (or probably E15). I am not sure where the incompatibility comes from Ethanol however this link sheds some light (with some possible self interest).

https://www.bellperformance.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-classic-car-from-modern-ethanol-fuel-problems

The fuel line problem can be easily overcome and my tank has been lined but I seem to think that ethanol does not like aluminium so I am concerned about the fuel pump and my new carburettor.

I guess time will tell.

Thanks again for the feedback

Roger