FUEL CHANGING IN UK?

[dogman]

Just seen this on F800 forum and wondered what the score is here in the UK?
Are we selling this stuff already and if not and we do, how is it likely to affect the running of the Rotax engine...already very hot in the summer!
http://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php/57435-Government-to-approve-15-ethanol-in-gas-today

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

I'm sure I have heard about this in MCN, hence I didn't really take it in, but I think that there is a problem with bikes using plastic tanks as well, I should have paid more attention as I have a TT41L tank

 

[steve hughes]

Hi Bobble I think the effect on tanks you are thinking of is the classic boys with fibre glass tanks. Ethanol goes for the binder and breaks down the gel type coating, so the lads with Rickman Metisse type bikes even some early trials irons struggle. I think they get round it with petseal.

Turning to plastic tanks Id guess automotive manufacturers have used plastic tanks on all vehicles / generators etc for over 15 yrs. So if they did something that attacked plastic everyone from the mighty Bentley to the humble lawn mower would be stuffed!

Steve

 

[cherokee]

Ducati

Theres a lawsuit in the states ongoing concerning damage to plastic ducati tanks due to Eth in the fuel,most PU50 (unleaded) is E5 in the UK at present..

 

[StumpyFingers]

As long as the tanks can handle it, It would only take a reprogram of the fuel system to handle the different octane.

 

[nig5]

Problem is it can attack rubber seals in fuel systems as well unless they have been made to resist this. Modern fuel systems should be OK but you never know.
The other problem with ethanol is that land used for food production is being used to grow plants for fuel, so not only isn`t it green it`s very un-green!

 

[bobbsy]

One of the main problems with ethanol is that it is hygroscopic - ie it absorbs water. UK is currently limited to 5% ethanol, this is generally blended at the pump on the service station forecourt. germany has just approved 10% max ethanol.

 

[StumpyFingers]

Is this going to be one of those rushed in legislations that cause major problems before it is sorted?

 

[nig5]

Is this going to be one of those rushed in legislations that cause major problems before it is sorted?

Three guesses!!!

 

[bobbsy]

it's a bit hit-and-miss at the moment - overall a company's road fuel (ie petrol or diesel) must contain (i think -correct me if i'm wrong) 7.5% bio content...this can be any combination of ethanol in gasoline (max 5%), fame in diesel (max 7.5%), or purchase of certificates from other people that exceed the 7.5% requirement...currently ethanol is the cheapest option and companies will blend to max 5%and minimise fame...but if market prices change, diesel will blend max and ethanol will be minimised.

 

[StumpyFingers]

When they developed City diesel which had water suspended in it, it did more damage to the engines creating more pollution than it stopped.

 

[cherokee]

One of the main problems with ethanol is that it is hygroscopic - ie it absorbs water. UK is currently limited to 5% ethanol, this is generally blended at the pump on the service station forecourt. germany has just approved 10% max ethanol.

Its not blended on the forecourt,its added at the refinery.