Ethanol

[1954Etype]

Just had this from a friend who asked Esso if their Super unleaded contained ethanol....

“There is currently no requirement for renewable fuel (such as ethanol) to be present in super unleaded petrol.

Esso super unleaded petrol (branded Esso Energy Synergy Supreme+ 99) is ethanol free (except, due to technical supply reasons, in Devon, Cornwall, the Teesside area, some parts of the North West and Scotland).

It remains possible that legislation could change in future with regards the inclusion of ethanol in super unleaded fuel, in which case we would, of course, comply with the legislation.

I should also make it clear that Esso Energy Synergy Supreme+ 99 is available at most Esso service stations, including those with a Tesco shop, but not at Tesco-branded service stations.

Kind regards,

Richard


Richard Scrase
Media Adviser
UK & Ireland Public & Government Affairs
ExxonMobil”

[Philk]

That's really interesting. Hitherto, I've used Shell V-Power but will have a look at our local Esso station.

Interestingly, the Esso website highlights that they still have to display an E5 symbol next to it even though it contains no Ethanol!

https://www.esso.co.uk/en-gb/fuels/petrol

[Series1 Stu]

So, its ethanol free, except for where it isn't!

[mgcjag]

definatly not free...you still have to pay for it......yes your correct available every where that it isnt

[mgcjag]

Interesting artical on E10....is it really bad? https://www.footmanjames.co.uk/blog/e10 ... c-vehicles

[Gfhug]

It’d be nice to know if companies such as Burlen are doing anything to modify carbs, fuel pumps, filters and fuel lines to accept ethanol. If it’s just the ancillary parts not the engine itself at risk then there ought to be a way around it

Geoff

[mgcjag]

Yes..get ethanol proof hose seals etc....Steve

[Joes66]

This is an interesting link

Joe

[cactusman]

I guess the debate will continue. I use super UL mostly from my local supermarket in Hemel.....all fuel for miles around here comes from Buncefield....wherever you buy it. It is marked E5.....may be 5% ethanol....may not. The E type runs perfectly on it. I have ethanol resistant fuel lines but everything else is as it was in 1962.
Same for the MG and it runs well too...although as it is not a cross flow engine the carbs sit over the exhaust and in traffic on hot days it can cough due, I suspect, to vapour locks....ethanol based fuel is more prone to vapour locks I suspect.

[abowie]

Ethanol? Love the stuff.

[cactusman]

Not sure what it sold for but a 60 year old bottle of Macallan bottled in 1929 was up for over a million dollars....now there is expensive ethanol! Bet it tastes good.....not that anyone ever will....

[Joes66]

The other problem with ethanol is that it absorbs water
It can then rot anything aluminium that it touches if left for long periods
Like the insides of your carbs
Its really nasty
I am going to switch to esso from now on
Joe

[JerryL770]

I guess the debate will continue. I use super UL mostly from my local supermarket in Hemel.....all fuel for miles around here comes from Buncefield....wherever you buy it.

Back in the 80's I worked for a company which sold and installed gasoline vapour recovery units and we had one at Buncefield. It was not responsible for the explosion which was caused by poor maintenance of the high level switch on a gasoline storage tank, allowing it to overflow!! However, this applies to all the major storage and distribution depots like Buncefield.

Fuels for all the retailers whether main or supermarket may come out of the same storage tank but each vendor has their own supplies of additives which go in as the road tanked is filled. I suspect (but don't know) that the ethanol will go in there along with other additives individual to the vendor and fuel type. So while the base gasoline is the same, the additives are not.

[cactusman]

Exactly...they all add their own detergents etc....the jury is out as to whether they do any real good.....however i rather doubt the individual vendors add their own ethanol. A 25000 litre tanker would need around 1250 litres of the stuff for 5%....and many tankers per day depart. I suspect the ethanol is added at the refinery so the base stock stored at Buncefield may or may not contain ethanol. Buncefield is a big depot and probably has both ethanol free and E5 or 10 stock ready to go....which may explain why in Cornwall Shell ethanol free super is not available....they get their supply from a small depot that only stores base stock with ethanol already added.

[71 V12]

The other problem with ethanol is that it absorbs water
It can then rot anything aluminium that it touches if left for long periods
Like the insides of your carbs
Its really nasty
I am going to switch to esso from now on
Joe

Agree, Ethanol is hydroscopic and therefore will also rot your fuel tank!

[cactusman]

Keep things in perspective....yes...it does slowly absorb water from the atmosphere and yes, given sufficient time the damp fuel will cause corrosion of steel tanks and eventually aluminium alloy parts....BUT....not over short periods of time....months not weeks. Only if the fuel sits for many weeks while exposed to the atmosphere will significant water absorption occur and start the corrosion process. If you use the car regularly and Keep the fuel cap well secured and the tank reasonably full the rate of absorption into E5 fuel will be very low and you will not have an issue. If you plan to leave the car unused for many months then either drain the system or fill the tank at least 3/4 full and seal the filler....wrap in cling film. If air cannot get to the fuel it cannot pick up water. Even ethanol free fuel deteriorates over time so any lengthy lay up and the best thing is to drain the fuel system.

[Joes66]

Or just use the esso ethanol free fuel
Its octane rating will diminish
But at least it won't rot your fuel system
Its a no brainer to me
This is an interesting test on u tube

Joe