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

I believe that Ethanol added to petrol, causes it to absorb water and oxygen, and therefore it can attack alloy and zinc castings by galvanic action as well as rubber fuel lines and seals in the fuel system.  This can cause problems in traditional carburettors and also in fuel tanks. It can also encourage the formation of gum and sediment. You can line your fuel tank to proof that, but the Ethanol inhibitor additives will not stop the galvanic corrosion, although they do usually claim to inhibit ferrous corrosion. Fuel pump and probably accelerator pump diaphragms are also vulnerable, but  if you have bought something more recent, then it should have the necessary resistance. Beware of ‘New old stock’ components.

Darrin put the AAA coolant that he refers to in my car a couple of years ago. It has remained ‘clean’ and so is presumably doing its jobs as far as corrosion inhibitors are concerned. I had not realised that top up inhibitors were available and will order some when the time comes.

I also bump up tyre pressures to a degree, but on some lumpy Lancashire roads, find the ride a little less ‘Floating’ than before.