Modern
fuels damaging rubber components?
Barrie Jones, who has an MGBGTV8 and is the TD/TF Technical
Specialist for the T Register, set out his concern that modern
fuels containing bio ethanol appear to be attacking the rubber
components in the carburetters and fuel pumps of our MGs. He
urges V8 members to inspect the carburetters and fuel pump on
their V8 for leaks as a regular safety check and if you become
aware of any such problems, please would you post your reply
on this thread. If you prefer to send Barrie an email I will
set up an automatic response form .
Barrie says: I recently had a severe fuel leak from one of my
TF SU carburetters and it appears that the rubber seals have
perished and failed where the float chambers are connected to
the body of the carb. Once I started looking, I also found that
the fuel pump was starting to leak where the casing is joined
together by 6 cheese-head screws. I think the problem is with
the diaphragm.
I also recently replaced a fuel hose with one which had `suitable
for unleaded fuel' printed on it. The new hose cracked and disintegrated
within 6 months of fitting! I know, my TF shouldn't have those
rubber seals, but they were an improvement fitted to some MGAs
to prevent fuel frothing, so I made the change many years ago.
My concern
is that modern fuels appear to be attacking the rubber components
in our carburetters and fuel pumps, and since petrol has recently
had up to 10% Bio-Ethanol added to it, I am worried that I may
be seeing the tip of a rather large iceberg. I would
recommend that
all your register members inspect their carburetters and fuel
pumps for leaks as a regular safety check. |
If you become aware of any such problems, please would you keep
me informed? For my part, I have contacted Burlen Services (the
people who have taken over SU Carburettors) about this matter,
and I shall forward their reply when I receive it.
Posted: 11.1.08
See also the
useful briefing
note from Barrie Jones and reports of known problems, a
response from a English V8 member in the US John
Targett. and an update
from Barrie Jones. |
