Fuel Question

[Robert FilbeyParticipant]

I’m about to acquire a 1953 TA BL.  I live in the United States.  For my other classic cars I typically fuel them with 91 Octane with no Ethanol.  Would this be appropriate for a Traction Avant?  Thanks.

Kirk

[BernieParticipant]

Kirk,

Sorry I missed your post until now  ….

Yes it will be suitable but you may have to re-set the timing if it pinks.

Like you, I try to avoid ethanol but that is becoming extremely difficult – if not impossible – in our part of the world.  The choice here is generally only either 5% or 10% ethanol

I therefore run on the 5%, albeit grudgingly.

B……

[Robert FilbeyParticipant]

Thanks Bernie.  Do you think I could run the car with a lower octane fuel?

 

Kirk

[BernieParticipant]

I’ve never tried it but it is a very forgiving engine so I would think it quite possible.

If you have zny success, perhaps you will let us know.

B….

[Jakub SalataParticipant]

US 91 AKI is comparable to EU 95 RON, which is completely fine even for modern vehicles. I wish we could get no ethanol fuel here easily.

Octane ratings were below 90 RON in 1950s Europe, so you could actually probably get away with a little more ignition advance.

 

[Robert FilbeyParticipant]

Thanks Jakub.  I think for now I will run it on the 91 octane.  Hope to have it very shortly!

 

[Robert FilbeyParticipant]

Just following up on my original question in case there’s any interest.  I’ve recently filled my tank with 87 Octane with no ethanol and the car seems to be running just fine thus far.

Kirk

[Larry LewisParticipant]

I run mine on 89 octane and have had no problems with it. Also, I’ve replaced any rubber hoses that come in contact with the fuel.

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