ok guys here is another kettle of fish fuel stabilisers / additives do they have any effect good or bad main reason I have looked at this is due to the ethanol content in modern fuels causing corrosion in fuel tanks because it is hygroscopic another member on here mentioned he uses ipa ( isopropyl alcohol ) in his tank to absorb water 1. does this actually work 2. is it safe with fuel lines and pumps etc 3. is it ok in a tank stood for periods of time e.g over winter or do you run it straight through the engine also on looking this up found another product specifically designed for this sort of thing called sea foam Sea Foam Sales Company - Sea Foam Motor Treatment has anyone had any experience of this product or similar there we go can of worms opened
I like to think of it this way; Fuel companies sell petrol that every engine manufacturer optimises their engine to run on efficiently and it needs nothing more, the proof is that millions of miles are covered on normal petrol every year. Companies that come along and make fantastic claims are trying to part people from their money for something that the engine does not need. I would not use anything in any of my engines that was not designed to be in there.
The next few years will tell a tale re ethanol in our uk fuel, ask any sport classic owner in the USA.
Yep tank swelling but I think it's going to effect the 1098 range and possibly fuel lines and I rings etc. mind you I don't think the fuel additives will make any difference.
not sure about the swelling problem but the main thing I was pointing at was the accumulation of water in the fuel due to ethanol content causing problems with rust etc
I'm the one who uses IPA, it does work with no harm to any components, but, and I didn't make this clear, it isn't a preventative for water ingress, it's a remedy, once installed in the tank the complete tank of fuel should be used then refilled, don't let it sit for too long, it is also hydroscopic, I hope this clears this up. (NB; IPA is widely used, the wipes that medical people, painters, sign writers, and many others use are IPA soaked paper towelettes) I have used Fuel Stabilizers before also, when NZ 1st went to unleaded fuel the fuel companies replaced the lead with aromatics, of which some "boil off" at low temps (35 degC), so over time (1-3 months) the fuels octane rating may drop from 95 RON down to as low as 70-75 RON, the stabilizers appeared to prevent this.
Have used rubbing alcohol solely to try and help prevent carb-icing when needed and I think that's what most people do. It won't alter the corrosive effects of ethanol as it is pretty similar in nature and this will also attract water/moisture - not really a problem as used in small quantities. I know nothing about the latest products (if there are any) intended to stabilise/neutralise the effects of ethanol as far as corrosion goes, but have a feeling that for the most part it's something we will have to live with. I know that there are several sealants that you can apply to the insides of tanks but can't see this as a long-term remedy myself. I spoke to a leading 'O' ring manufacture a couple of years ago, and at least they are well advanced with supplying materials that are totally ethanol proof but of course this is only a small part of what is exposed in the overall fuel system.
I'm not sure I understand the whole ethanol in petrol scare. This is half baked in that it is a collection of stuff I think I might have heard, but let's not let ignorance get in the way of an argument. Anyway, take this with a pinch of salt. Rip it to shreds. Whatever. All petrochemicals used in fuels are corrosive to some extent and fuel companies, by law, have to add corrosion inhibitors. It wouldn't be in anyone's interest, well maybe car mechanics and their supply chain, for petrol companies to fuck your engine over. Also it's my understanding that much unleaded in the UK is already E5 (5% ethanol) but modern engines are designed to cope with ethanol. Now, just how modern modern is I don't know so this could already be an issue for some. When E10 is rolled out widely the government is legislating that E5 will still be widely available. Again, just how wide widely is I can't say but I guess if you need it you will be able to find it. Further, they've been trialling E10 in France since 2009 and in Germany and Finland since 2011 with no significant issues being reported that I am aware of. There's a lot of scaremongering, because we love a bit of drama and never seem to have enough things to worry about so it sells newspapers, but as far as I'm aware the only issue is that ethanol only gives you about 30% as much bang as petrol so E10 will offer something like 97% of the efficiency of the stuff we are already using. Maybe.
Here in Brazil, all the petrol have 27% of ethanol My 2011 796 hyper(euro spec) with 43k km with and no problems related to the petrol. I would love to have a petro with 10% of ethanol
After various recommendation I've always put a can of Wurth fuel stabiliser in each bike after the last ride of the season.
