Ethanol added to fuel

[Roger Chatterton]

I am most appreciative of all the various replies to my post, but still ( as on a lot of things !) very confused; there appear to be a fair few varying opinions as to exactly how much damage ethanol can do .
It looks like I might have to bite the bullet and stump up to get my tank lined by this guy in Norwich

http://www.tankcareproducts.co.uk/index.htm

For a tank the size of my 100 GS PD ( 31 or 35 litres ?), it looks like it will cost around £160, and that's not including carriage ( Cambridge is close enough to take it to him in person !)
Here's a quote from his website;

New "Sureseal" is now resistant to Unleaded fuel containing Ethanol.

Please Note: Care must be taken when using our Tank Repair Range, these products contain potentially harmful chemicals only to be used in a well ventilated area, use rubber gloves when handling. We do not accept liability for any damage caused to surrounding paintwork, propper steps must be taken to protect from leakage.

Due to Changes in the production of Unleaded Fuels, in particular the inclusion of Ethanol, Tank Care Products has decided to Stop selling its PR1005L Sealant. We have now sourced a New Sealant which is resistant to ethanol, and will be supplying this from now on. Spec sheet available at bottom of page.

Now £160 approx is not cheap, but, way cheaper than a new tank ( if you can even find one) at around £800+.

Final point, after several enquiries, still uncertain whether tanks on the 100 GS PD's are fibreglass or plastic; I know f'glass is a lot more prone to decay through ethanol,, but uncertain as to how a plastic composite might fare ?
As for hoses and carb floats, well I can live with the occasional renewal, as these are cheap and easy to come by, but a whole fuel tank - no way !

So, that's my take on things so far, but would love to know from the fuel manufacturers direct.

 

[Redboots]

Some of the guys on the German 2v boxer forums have mailed BMW to ask about the E10 fuel. They translated reply follows:

...thank you for your email. Commercial fuels, which you receive today at branded gas stations, already contain a portion of fuels, which were biologically produced (max. 5%). The German (and EU), legislator plans to increase the ethanol portion in the normal and premium fuel starting from the beginning of of 2011 to 10% (E10). The super-plus is to remain however unchanged (E5). The E10 fuel has already been introduced to the USA in the year 1998. We could certify the E10-fitness directly due to the experience of many years with this biogenous fuel for BMW motorcycles. The evaluation of the past field driving and resuming investigations of our engine development showed beyond doubt that all BMW motorcycles of all years of construction with E10 petrol can be operated. However, the minimum octane number (RON), prescribed for the engine, must be considered.
With best greetings from Munich BMW motorcycle Direct

It does not mention tanks

I wonder if Glass Armor 27P would do the trick
http://www.bridgeportchemical.com/products.htm

I sent off an email and await a reply...


Cheers,
John

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Redboots,

interesting info from BMW -
"that all BMW motorcycles of all years of construction with E10 petrol can be operated. " Not giving too much away there though ....my concern is for how long !!
Do post back any info you get re the Glass Armour 27P .
I think I'll just have to get tank lined with Sureseal, and then I can forget it, I hope. Of all the things there are to be worried about on an older BMW, I never thought that petrol would be one of them!

 

[gsbiker]

This post is an interesting find. Both my RD350 + RD500 have had carb problems starting from late 2010 (both with same problem - loss of power in power band). Both carbs had to be removed, sonic cleaned and reassembled costing me a small fortune around £500 for both bikes. Worse on my RD350 where it has been worked on 3 times already. I have resorted to replacing the fuel pipes in order to stop my carb clogging up although there is no sign of the pipes causing the problem. Granted these bikes are 15 + 25 years old respectively but they are good clean, well looked after bikes!

I don't know if it's just coincidence or the start of the fuel changes. I am now considering fuel additives, Can anyone recommend any? Millers?

 

[Redboots]

All pumps that vend the E10 fuel should have a sticker on them saying so
If not, complain like buggery.

All of the supermarkets I have used here have E10 and none-E10... there is a price difference, E10 cheaper which is weird.

John

 

[Beemerboff]

Meths is e100, so if you are worried about your fuel hoses, floats, etc fill a plastic container with some, or Irish Whisky if you cant find any meths, and chuck the suspect items in it for a couple of weeks - you wont find any damage.

I will be different if you use toluene, or lacquer thinners, and this is the stuff which is being added to boost the octane rating, and which is causing most of the problems.

 

[gsbiker]

I went and bought this yesterday for my 2 strokes which it claims to prevent ethenol corrosion and boost performance for older engines that use to run on 4 star. So far I have noticed better pickup on acceleration.