

Bio ethanol problems

A number of classic car owners have noted that their fuel hoses have degraded as a result of modern fuel containing bio ethanol.

This also applies to situations where modern fuel hoses have been fitted in place of the originals - in some cases it has resulted in fuel squirting out into the engine compartment.

Advice from the USA (where bio is common) is that they have a very high tolerance hose that is not available in the UK.

As we move from 5% to 10% ethanol is there not a danger that many cars (not just classics) will experience a serious degradation of fuel hoses? Have the fuel companies and the government thought of the possible consequences (and litigation?).

Asked on 24 January 2012 by Pavlo

Answered by Honest John
The answers have to be yes to the first question and no to the second.
Similar questions
I’m concerned about the introduction of E10 (petrol) and the impact it will have on my 1997 Jeep Cherokee and 1988 Porsche 944 Lux Auto. Is there anything I should be contemplating having done to them...
Could you please offer some advice on what to do if I am thinking of buying a modern classic car from the 80s or 90s? I have been reading that the increasing use of Bioethanol in fuels will damage the...
Owners of classic and vintage cars are being advised that new fuels with ethanol are incompatible with some materials used pre-1960. We are informed that Esso 97 unleaded does not contain ethanol. Is this...