Ethanol in French petrol ?

[Paul S4]

Does anyone know if French fuel has a high percentage of ethanol in it ? I have heard that ethanol in petrol is not good for old fuel systems, as it affects the old type fuel seals in the carbs etc. Is there a particular make of fuel that is better than others ?
I need 98-99 octane Super unleaded (preferably) for a Lotus twincam on Strombergs. Any advice welcome.

[Old Merc]

Yes! its called 95-E10 and is clearly marked but be very carefull!!if you fill up an old classic with it your in big trouble as it will "eat" everything metal!! 95-E10 is for NEW cars only.Its sold alongside the normal "sans plomb" 95 & 98 (unleaded)all three pump handles are green but are clearly marked with each type of fuel.Why the 95-E10 handles are not a diferent colour is just French to me.

[tricky1962]

Hi

I think this reply may be a little alarmist. Ethanol does not "eat" metal, otherwise your average hip flask would be useless. This article for example

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/renew...

examined 19 different metals used in automotive fuel systems for the effect of 10% and 20% ethanol in fuel against 0%. The conclusion was that 18 of the 19 metals were unaffected by the addition of up to 20% ethanol in the fuel apart from a mild discolouration of the metal surface. The 19th metal showed some erosion in high ethanol fuels, but this particular sample was tested unplated and the metal is generally used plated, which should protect it from attack.

Given the number of old bangers being driven on French roads, I reckon the French authorities will have looked at this and reckoned it is safe for old cars.

Edited by tricky1962 on Sunday 5th September 11:26

[a8hex]

There are some comments about the proposed use of Ethanol in fuel and its effects on classic cars in this months "Classic Car" editorial. There is some funded research planned and some calls for contributions to the debate.
One comment I've heard a lot from guys in the states is that these fuels tend to go off. Fuels with Ethanol will absorb water. Leaving a tank over winter can cause problems in the spring.

[Old Merc]

I`m just going on advice from our classic car club and the organizers of a recent rally in France.Yes, "eats everything" is over the top, but I would not recommend anyone useing ethanol in an old classic.These cars are not designed for it,even Total say its for new cars (2004 on)only.

[a8hex]

Old Merc said:

even Total say its for new cars (2004 on)only.

That will be the lawyers talk, "Please don't sue us"

[leyorkie]

Filled up today and the easiest way to spot this fuel is that it's the cheapest

[Paul S4]

Many thanks for your replies. As usual, the PH forum provides very welcome information !

I shall be doing about 1500 miles (total round trip).

I shall use the '98 Sans Plomb' with the Castrol Valvemaster Plus additive that I usually put in the tank. Anything lower causes 'running on' as my S4 has the high compression 10.3 Stromberg head...

I would hope get about 40mpg which is quite good for an old car on a gentle run to the Alps...usual consumption is 33mpg on a daily basis.

[Old Merc]

Thats another thought,what would happen if someone put lead additive/valve master in with ethanol E-10??

[leyorkie]

Also noted that it was available at 95 octane only

[wibble cb]

was using Esso super unleaded in mine, but it required the ignition to be so advanced that it pinked.....I am reliably informed that its due to the 10% ethanol content, I had the timing retarded and now use Shell Opti Vmax super duper power (no ethanol apparently), the low end response is rubbish, even for an A series, but it does run better. I think I need to re advance the timing.