Whilst mulling over the consequences of increased ethanol content in fuel, such as fuel hose needing to be R9 rated. Then with my ' ounce of prevention ' mode ticking over I got to thinking about fuel pump diaphrams,carbs included.Classic Car has an article about 'ethanol ready' fuel pumps, but I haven't got round to reading it yet. Any thoughts ?
If its that cheap vodka from Warrington avoid it stick with Polish or Swedish - no hangover! Sorry wrong thread! hahahaa I think I mentioned before most fuel pumps today are supplied from Brazil, and Brazil and Mexico have been running on pure Ethanol for at least 20 years in all their cars, so that is not only aircooled beetles and vans but the golfs polos and other boring rubbish VW had made since! So I think the fuel pumps we buy today are already Booze proof. The trouble is if they are new sealed ones there is nothing you can do but buy a spare and keep it in the van, if they are old style ones where you can split them, then it is down to asking the manufacturer if their diaphrams are suitable for Ethanol. I really dont think this is such a major issue , not for aircooled anyway, even the so called lead free panic that ensued years ago, aircooled VW engines are pretty immune from it the BMC stuff is more sensitive. Hope this stops you worrying a little?
Cheers Stan. I ve had the tank fuel hose rupture this year due to the raised ethanol content. It was after the 1st after ethanol was raised in our area. 600 odd litres running down the street, so you can see why I m being cautious. At least it wasn't running with a hot engine ! I m replacing the hoses tonight again, as I found out cotton braid does nt meet the requirments. Even using a brass T piece. Belt and braces
Ethanol is not compatible with soft metals such as zinc, brass, copper and aluminium. These metals will degrade or corrode in contact with ethanol. But don’t worry.
