Modern Fuels and Classic Cars
Prepared by: Daniel Wood, Research Engineer, Vehicle Engineering Team, RACV.
July 2010
RACV
550PrincesHwyNoblePark,Victoria3174T
(03)97902859F
(03)
97902629daniel_wood@racv.com.auwww.racv.com.au Modern Fuels and Classic Cars July 2010
Introduction
RACV has fielded a number of requests for information surrounding ethanol blended fuels and
classic cars. This short report attempts to clarify that situation for Victorian motorists by addressing
common questions and misconceptions.
Executive Summary
Perhaps the most recent change to modern fuels has been the introduction of bio-fuels. Bio-fuels
have been introduced to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, clean tailpipe emissions and lower
our carbon footprint, these outcomes can be achieved when used in the right vehicle
RACV must stress that ethanol blended fuels should not be used in carburettor equipped vehicles. A
list of vehicles that can use ethanol blended fuels is available on the FCAI website
(
http://www.fcai.com.au). As a general rule no vehicle built before 1986 should be run on an ethanol
blended fuel, and vehicles built 1986 or after should only do so at the manufacturers
recommendations.
Reasoning for this comes from multiple fronts; materials compatibility, fuel metering, durability and
performance. In general both the environmental and financial benefits of E10 will not be realised in
a pre 1986 vehicle.
Reports available from the Department for Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts have been
used as the foundations of this report. These are available at no charge from the department and
provide detailed and valuable information if any further information is desired. For a copy of these
reports visit
http://www.environment.gov.au RACV
550PrincesHwyNoblePark,Victoria3174T
(03)97902859F
(03)
97902629daniel_wood@racv.com.auwww.racv.com.au Modern Fuels and Classic Cars July 2010
Questions and Answers
Should I run my classic car on an ethanol blended fuel?
No, vehicles built before 1986 are not considered compatible with ethanol blended fuelsi. Also
vehicles fitted with a carburettor are not compatible with Ethanol blended fuelsii. Fuel injected
vehicles that have not been indicated as compatible with ethanol blends should also avoid ethanol
blendsiii .
What vehicles should run on ethanol blends?
In Australia two types of Ethanol petrol blend’s are available, E10 and E85. Most new vehicles are
suitable for operation on E10iv however only a select few can run on E85. Make sure your vehicle is
compatible with the mix you wish to use by checking with the manufacturer or on the FCAI website
(
http://www.fcai.com.au).
Will the government and fuel retailers stop selling neat petrol?
A report in 2007 found that 59.9% of our petrol powered fleet are suitable to operate on E10v, until
a solution is found for the remainder, supply of neat petrol can’t be avoided.
NSW legislation requires all regular grade unleaded petrol to be E10 from 1 July 2011, however it
also states that the act does not require ethanol to be added to all petrol sold in NSW1. This implies
that ethanol free premium grade petrol’s will be available into the future.
Interesting read
Red_Devil
