EIO PETROL - YOUR THOUGHTS - PLEASE!! ??

[wingdings]

Hi- all - Greetings from across the pond there - We over in the UK are about to have the dreaded E10 petrol imposed on us from September this year. Which I am told if you own an early wing like mine will do all sorts of harm to your gas tank and other parts of both the engine and fuel system as a whole.

I am given to understand that over in the USA that you have been using this fuel for years now can anyone state or say what problems they have encountered if any with using this devils brew.

I have been told that you can buy a fuel additive - (PUTOLINE E10 Motorcycle Motorbike Scooter Petrol Fuel Fighter Additive 250ml)

Here is the spin on the product -

E10 Fuel Fighter is a powerful fuel additive. Specifically developed to protect the fuel system against the harmful effects of E10 fuels, which contain 10% bio-ethanol. E10 Fuel Fighter compensates for the adverse effects and prevents engine damage.

Protects the fuel system against corrosion.
Improves the lubricating properties.
Reduces internal friction in the engine.
Reduces fuel consumption.
Cleans injectors and valves: ensures optimum combustion.
Instructions for use: Add 0.1% to the petrol (25 ml for 25 litres of fuel)
The special dosing system on the bottle helps you add the right quantity.

s-l1600 (28).jpg e10.jpg

Has anyone had dealings with this product??

[bellboy40]

I have never seen that product over here, so I can't comment on how it might work for you. The E10 fuel will burn ok in your bike if it is used regularly. The problem is when it sits idle for more than a couple of weeks. The fuel will start to deteriorate and turn to a gummy mess and plug up those small carb passages.

I use a product called Sta-Bil here. It is a fuel stabilizer and helps to prolong the useful life of the E10.
Also Seafoam helps in that regard also.

[dingdong]

Not convinced that e10 will deteriotate that soon. I run e10 with absolutely no problems. (Can't tell the difference between e10 and straight gas. With running or mileage.) I have let my bikes sit for a lot more than 2 weeks and have not experienced any problems what so ever. Jmho! However I admit that I am anal about keeping the bikes serviced on a regular basis.

[bellboy40]

Yes, it would take longer than a couple of weeks before it got bad enough to start causing problems but the deterioration will have started by then. I have been running the E10 for a long time also with no ill effects but I have never let it set up for long periods of time either.

[Andy Cote]

Gasoline and alcohol don't normally mix (oil and water) so a blending agent is needed. Many issues arise as the blending agent evaporates from stagnant fuels and the alcohol (water) settles to the bottom on the tank. This can also occur when the water content gets high enough to exceed what the blending agent is capable of. See the How-To article on cleaning your gasoline of the alcohol. Many IC engines can run straight alcohol but tuning adjustments really should be made.

Alcohol will though raise your octane level. So with the banning of tetraethyllead additives, something was needed to keep using low grade fuels in automobiles. But lead would lubricate the valve train where alcohol does just the opposite - washes away and dries oil. Removing alcohol from E10 gasoline mixture could result in pinging and knocking.

Both gasoline and alcohol are solvents but attack different materials.

Long story short. E10 can cause issues but mostly it's related to fuels and engines that are allowed to sit.