Heads up on Unleaded Fuel

chippiepilot

Junior Member
Messages
437
Hi all, it has come to my attention that there is a fuel in France (maybe elsewhere) going by unleaded 95 E10 : this is as far as Im aware 95 RON unleaded with 10% ethanol. A quick email to Bill McGrath with the response to AVOID using the Ethanol mix.
Topic is also discussed on maserati forum
 

alexholmes

New Member
Messages
75
Is this the same for 3200 and 4200? I would have thought the later engine would be able to tell what fuel was being used and make use of the extra octane E10.
 

Nigelo

New Member
Messages
25
There is no "extra octane" Alex as they are both 95RON. FWIW, I always run on Super unleaded 97+ since it does give more BHP but I steer well clear of all Supermarket fuels. Those of you who use Tesco 99 are actually using E5 ie 5% Ethanol 95% Mogas mix and if memory serves me correctly, E10 will become mandatory throughout the EU in the near future.

Ethanol does have some excellent anti-knock properties so I am curious to know why a 10% mix should be a problem. It is not allowed in aviation's Avgas but I have not discovered why - Perhaps Chippie can fill us in

hope this helps
 

chippiepilot

Junior Member
Messages
437
I dont specifically know why there is no ethanol in Avgas 100LL (100RON Lightly Leaded - blue in colour and such a sweet smell)for piston engine its not something I remember being taught in detail though as far as I understand from further reading (to gain extra knowledge and Understanding) of a document Ethanol can possibly attract moisture and potentially cause corrosion to metal and rubber.Will have a look through my manuals and see if there is anything that could shed any light.
Regarding the Email I had from McGraths, I had no explanation, was just advised in the email that they had been informed by a "reliable source". I have no reason to doubt McGraths though you raise an interesting point Nigelo. Maybe over 5 % doesn't give it enough kick - I stand to be fully corrected Im just speculating

Found this from the Australian Dept of Transport this might have something to do with it

REASONS WHY E10 IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SOME CURRENT MODELS

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are harmonised with international standards as specified in the UN ECE Regulations. The same requirements apply throughout the European Union. New vehicles certified to these standards will increasingly use advanced emission control technologies that strictly control the engine’s operating parameters and have therefore more stringent fuel quality requirements.

The maximum level of ethanol blended petrol in Europe is E5.

Depending on what markets certain models are sold in, Australian vehicles may be built to either a European specification (E5 compatible) or some other specification that is E10 compatible. This is the reason recommendations regarding E10 suitability will differ from one manufacturer to another.

The use of E10 petrol in vehicles that are E5 compatible may also result in material compatibility problems in the fuel system.
 
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howie

New Member
Messages
23
Sorry to revive this thread after a week but I just thought I would add a comment since I am in Aus and nearly all petrol stations here are now selling E10, standard unleaded and premium unleaded. Even our version of Touring cars the V8 series are using E10 fuel. There has been much discussion here over it, the reason for it of course is that it is supposedly more green.

Basically there is no proof that there is any harm done to an engine or that it reduces power in any way, but it is all very new. The main reason most reviewers don't recommend using it, is that the fuel economy is rubbish and the 5 cents or so a liter you save does not cover the extra you use. This seems to be backed up by the V8 drivers who have said power is the same but fuel economy has decreased by about 15% I think they said.

Out of interest what is the best fuel to use for a 3200?

Howie