Additives for use with biofuels may be available soon containing corrosion inhibitor, stability improver and biocide products

Update on additives
Chris Hunt Cooke hears it is hoped that an additive will be available soon through a distributor so classic car enthusiasts will be able to use it to counteract the adverse effects of petrol with added biofuel. 231210

See earlier biofuels
notes
More

What is pH?

Updated 231210
Posted: 051110		 We hear from Chris Hunt Cooke, past Chairman of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FHBVC), that one of the fuel topics they are continuing to examine is the distribution of additives to counter the adverse effects of biofuel in petrol when used in classic cars. The additives for petrol are intended to combat the problem of corrosion in a vehicle's fuel system as a consequence of water absorption and the subsequent lowering of the pH leading to increasing acidity. Four companies have shown an interest in marketing the additives but progress in moving towards the commercial distribution has been slow so far.

Independent tests on the corrosion
resistance performance will be necessary in order to be able to endorse any additive and that is likely to involve professional tests undertaken by an independent commercial analytical laboratory. Obtaining information about the chemical content of the product, what exactly it is claimed to do and any supporting data is likely to be difficult as we have seen from our contacts with Shell following the recent launch of their "Fuel Save" additive in their leading petrol brands. They did not wish to release any information other than in their press adverts and on their website, presumably because they consider their formulation is commercially sensitive. It's possible a similar stance may be taken by the additives suppliers but understanding at least the nature of the additives' chemistry will help the appraisal.

We hear that even E10 fuel would be unlikely to affect an historic engine if the fuel was used promptly after purchase on a forecourt - the risk was much greater when fuel is stored and the pH allowed to fall. Of course that is often the case with a classic car covering a limited mileage and being laid up over most of the winter months.

Post your views on this technical topic on the
V8 Bulletin Board

You can send your comments or views on this technical topic to Barrie Jones using an online response form