Update
on the current topic: are modern fuels damaging rubber components?
Barrie Jones,TD/TF Technical Specialist with the
T Register, provides an update on the biofuels concern for classic
MGs. (27.4.08)
I have received some information via another member of the T
Register committee. He managed to contact John Burnet of Burlen
Fuel Systems, who stated:
"BFS have been aware of problems with rubber parts and
modern fuels, but were not aware of any problems with rubber
parts on MGs. They did have a problem with rubber parts fitted
to Triumphs, but they have been scrapped and replaced all the
affected items".
ever-changing fuel ingredients - it's difficult
getting information from the fuel companies
BFS claim that they have an ongoing programme aimed at trying
to ensuring their products are |
compatible
with the ever-changing fuel ingredients, but it is very difficult
to get information from the fuel companies. For instance they
are aware of a problem with fuels with a high bio-ethanol content
(as used in the US and soon to be introduced here), which actually
attacks and degrades aluminium and Mazac.
For
this reason they are changing brass components that come into
contact with fuel, such as needles and spindles, to other materials
because it is the copper in these brass parts which acts as
the catalyst in this reaction.
What is Mazac?
If I
could add an explanatory note: Mazac is a cheap alloy made from
Manganese, Aluminium, Zinc and Copper. The actual bodies of
our SU carburetors were made out of Mazac, so if fuel with a
high Bio-ethanol content is used in an original SU, the carburettor
body will corrode and crumble.
Posted: 28.4.08
See also the
earlier useful
briefing note from Barrie Jones and reports of known problems. |
