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

[ChrisParticipant]

Well done Roger getting the car on the road.

Antifreeze – I use the Halfords silicate stuff – no problems in 21 years. Well that may not be quite true. 5 years ago the breather pipe did get blocked up with something which resulted in the radiator header bursting. But no problems with seals or attack of the copper parts. OAT coolant – the more modern type – is designed for systems without copper or brass which it will corrode. I haven’t tried the waterless type to which Bernie refers. I understand its benefits include a much higher boiling point. On the other hand it has a lower thermal capacity and therefore the engine will run a few degrees hotter.

Tyre pressures – I have Michelin X tyres. At 23 psi all round its nice and comfortable but I generally run them at 27 psi all round. Steering is lighter and it doesn’t squeal when leaning into corners.

Petrol – I use 95 octane stuff from wherever. I generally add a lead replacement additive but don’t always bother. Someone on the rally told me that BP’s fuel is ethanol-free. I suspect that may just be the Ultimate grade. I have not had a problem so far on my Traction but my Chrysler’s float valves refused to seal soon after starting to use ethanol.

Chris