Re: Unleaded Petrol in Vintage and Classic Cars? A bit off-topic but some useful information about petrol tanks and the fuel therein stored for a long period of time in our old beauties:
Article (extract) by Bob Milton in Quality First (MCOC, UK) Journal October 2011
[quote] Oxford Troubles
Firstly, the engine developed a habit of "petering out"for no obvious reason when I got it home (usually by tow). I would make the usual checks...points... fuel pump....carburettor etc. but could find no obvious fault.Whereupon I restart the engine and it runs fine until the next time it decides to fail. Pondering on this, a thought struck me.The fuel gauge had never worked and consequently I keep the fuel tank well topped up.It occurred to me that, with low mileage petrol usage, the majority of fuel in the tank might be at least 10 years old, probably a bit suspect. Anyway, I eventually took the bull by the horns and drained the tank completely. This allowed a status check on the suction line tank filter. This turned out to be somewhat "mucky" so that was duly cleaned. Following the line backwards I also discovered that the fuel pump filter was also in need of the same treatment. Whilst there, the pump contact points were also checked....O.K. Now I thought, lets get the fuel sender unit out and have a look. Sure enough it was totally seized up, but with some gentle persuasion and some WD 40 it was soon in working order. The upshot of this was that now, the gauge works well- and with fresh 4 gallons of petrol the engine runs fine again.[unquote]
Editor Derek Andrews note:
[quote]
It is useful to note that the fuel will deteriorate over time.Recommendations seem to be in the order of 3 to 4 weeks. This can be noticed by (1) smell (2) engine performance (3) fuel colour. Advice tells us that over that period there is a loss of fuel components such as butane.. which leaves the fuel less volatile. Consequently,a greater percentage deposit of carbon can occur on spark plugs and in the cylinder "firing space." However these things can be negated if fresh fuel is added on a regular basis, thus "freshening up" the fuel tank. Another idea is to go on a long run every so often in order to use up older fuel. A week end tour might be just the ticket, for more than one reason. So basically if your car has been stored for a long time then it is a good idea to replace the old fuel (disposing of it in a responsible manner of course).On a safety point of view though "sniffing" fuel is not to be overly indulged in for obvious reasons.[unquote]
Last edited by anjan_c2007 : 26th October 2011 at 21:01.
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