What damage does ethanol in fuel do and how to tackle it?

[taylormj4]

Hi Folks,
As the title, what gets damaged by ethanol in fuel: E5 / E10 or worse?

Is it just rubber components like fuel hoses or are there other areas that we should look to replace (fuel pump, valves, inlet manifold seals)?

If things like fuel pumps get damaged, if we replace with a new one, will that just be the same as it's old stock or do all components sold now have to be ethanol-fuel compliant?

Or are you all just using E0 fuels or additives ?

[The Three D Mucketeer]

I've always used V-Power(previously Optimax) in my TVRs and now I use V-Power in everything including BMW , Lawnmower and Rotavator ) My understating is Ethanol is hydroscopic and absorbs water when left standing ... since filling my tanks is infrequent I suspect more prone.
In addition to it attacking fuel lines.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Monday 27th April 17:25

[BritishTvr450]

The Three D Mucketeer said:

I've always used V-Power(previously Optimax) in my TVRs and now I use V-Power in everything including BMW , Lawnmower and Rotavator ) My understating is Ethanol is hydroscopic and absorbs water when left standing ... since filling my tanks is infrequent I suspect more prone.
In addition to it attacking fuel lines.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Monday 27th April 17:25

This in a nutshell
Secondly as Tvr were mapped on super or 99 it’s not good to be using a lower octane fuel if your going anywhere near high revs.
It’s fine if your cruising around mind

[taylormj4]

I've run mine on standard unleaded for over 20 years and around 70k miles. I was originally advised it would be fine on it (that was pre-ethanol being added). Tried running it on super-unleaded a few times and didn't notice much difference.

I have been running it on mostly super-unleaded from Esso since ethanol started being added. Esso used to say even though the government said their super-unleaded fuel had to be classed as E5, it was actually E0 but their website doesn't say that anymore. Now says it could be up to 5% ethanol.

Have put additives in with the fuel when I've had to fill up with standard E10 but would rather just sort the problem so the ethanol isn't an issue.

So you guys reckon it's only the fuel lines that will get attached / need replacing and everything else will be OK?

[pwd95]

Did my injector seals too 18 months ago when I had it apart...

[Mutley00]

E0 doesnt exist anymore. Esso (the only supplier) discontinued it about 2 years ago.

What alot of people dont realise is that E10 petrol at 95 Octane is only 1 above 3 star, whilst E5 is 97 or above, so if your're running on E10 without additive and/or a remap and not suffering performance issues you are a very lucky person indeed.