Modern E10 fuel in old 1980’s bikes/quads?

[Mont Blanc]

I have a few rarely used 1980’s dirt bikes and quads. Honda 125XL, Z50R, Suzuki LT50 etc

It just occurred to me that E10 fuel may not be good for them?

Especially as they might sit for months at a time with the fuel in, not being used. Sometimes maybe 12 months.

I have read some horror stories about E10 not being good for older engines, carburettors, fuel lines etc, but I’m not sure how much of this is just hysteria.

Any thoughts?

[Scrump]

Buy E5 instead.

[GreenV8S]

Mont Blanc said:

It just occurred to me that E10 fuel may not be good for them?

You are correct. Legacy hoses that predate the widespread use of ethanol are probably not going to tolerate it. Whether the engine is being used or not doesn't affect this since the hoses, seals etc will be exposed to fuel regardless. With engines left standing you'd be more concerned about the volatile fractions evaporating and gummy up the system, but that's nothing to do with ethanol.

[tux850]

GreenV8S said:

With engines left standing you'd be more concerned about the volatile fractions evaporating and gummy up the system, but that's nothing to do with ethanol.

There is, however, the issue that with ethanol being hygroscopic there is an increased risk of corrosion when using E10 in situations of prolonged non-use.

[Mont Blanc]

Thanks.

Looks like I may have to get used to draining tanks and carbs when not in use!

[tux850]

...or just put E5 in? If you're not going to be using all that much then presumably the cost difference won't be all that much either?

[Mont Blanc]

tux850 said:

...or just put E5 in? If you're not going to be using all that much then presumably the cost difference won't be all that much either?

Yes, or that.

To be fair, even if it was E5 was twice the price, it would still be a negligible amount per year.