In recognition of all the good work she does in maintaining the club’s financial records, Joan Toohey has been awarded the VVC Ladies Margaret Farquhar trophy.
An engine builder's opinion on E10 Ethanol fuel
Some personal research and comment on Ethanol’s effect on a 2-stroke motor, from Ian Cunningham, who has been building/servicing/racing scooter engines for many years. Lambrettas are his passion but I assume most of the following would be relevant to other makes. He posted these observations during last year’s lockdown –
I have a fair amount of time on my hands at the moment which causes my mind to wander. With all the talk of impending doom for classic vehicles and the introduction of E10 fuel I researched how easy it would be to remove the Ethanol if there was no alternative....well basically it's pretty easy to do, also there is another alternative, well a couple, Avgas doesn't contain ethanol and never will, the last thing you want is a big gob of water going through your carb at 10,000ft, then there's synthetic fuel that is readily available at garden equipment suppliers, Aspen fuel being an example.
Based on the relative ease of removing ethanol from petrol I may have a go and see what happens.
Well, done some more research on this E10 fuel conundrum. Look away now if you’re not interested. There are currently no plans to make synthetic fuels commercially available at the pump. Aspen Alkalyite fuel is available, but works out at approx £25 a gallon plus any oil you may add for two stroke use.
Removing the Ethanol from E5 works, but the process may also remove other ingredients that are beneficial, so could be risky, plus you then have a quantity of toxic water you have to dispose of.
The most viable option is to make sure you have Ethanol compatible seals, carb parts and fuel pipe fitted plus any tank sealer you’re using is also compatible, and then add a readily available lead replacement/ Ethanol fuel stabiliser to every tank of fuel.
I would also recommend draining the tank and carb if you’re leaving the scooter for any extended period such as over winter.
On a side note, compared to Ethanol free fuel, Ethanol increases MPG and also makes a two stroke engine run in the region of 3% leaner.
More ramblings of a mad man: well my mind won't let go of the Ethanol in fuel conundrum, scroll past if you feel yourself lapsing into a coma........still here? Well, in the past I've heard of some amongst us that have used Rock Oil Groundsman 2 stroke without issue in Lambretta engines....it has come to my attention that some "garden equipment" manufacturers, which after all is what Groundsman is designed to be used in, have started to produce 2 stroke oils that are ready blended with Ethanol fuel stabilisers. So blending your own or buying off the shelf could be an option for the future?
Also I would recommend getting away from the trend to use less oil in the mix, such as 3% or even 2% and think about using 4% with Ethanol content, the antiquated way our engines attempt to lubricate the crank, less really isn't more.
Well I'm going to try and let it go now....there is no right or wrong answer but I believe the following guidelines to be true based on my research.
1. Use only ethanol resistant oil seals, carb parts, petrol pipe and tank sealant
2. Jet with a safe margin
3. Ignition timing should be optimised for cooler running
4. Use good quality oil that is compatible with all fuel types (unleaded and alcohol fuels)
5. Oil fuel ratio of 4% or min of 3%, I'd recommend a heavier weight premix only oil
6. Add fuel/ethanol stabiliser to tank if leaving for extended periods of drain down system inc carb.
I'm off for a lay down in a dark room
I know that we all have our own opinions when it comes to the oil we use in our scooters. After much research into Ethanol in fuel and different two stroke oils, ‘Silkolene Classic 2-stroke pre-mix’ is what I will be using in my cast cylinder, Suzuki pistoned TV 186.
Various other comments gleaned from ongoing posts on this issue –
Switch to using Super Unleaded it will still be E5% for a few years
An estimated 700,000 vehicles on the road cannot run E10 fuel so they will be offering 97 Super for at least a few years.
The other thing that pops up is blown engines being blamed on the fuel when I believe it’s riding style. Sitting at a constant throttle opening, 2 stroke engines will lean off(effects of exhaust scavenging etc),this will then result in holed piston etc. If you refrain from constant throttle opening and vary the engine load, revs, gear selectors this will prevent the possibility of ‘leaning’ of the motor.
Also article on Scooterlab site-
Putoline 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. The product has the following properties:
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
Product information sheet Download PDF Safety sheet Download PDF
Posted by Alan Springall