Hi,
So it would seem that the biggest problem is it dissolves rubber!
That means the tip on your float chamber valve, probably your fuel pump and the fuel hoses!
Then if it combines with any water in your fuel system, like condensation in the tank is creates a jelly like substance!
Fantastic, thanks EU!
Cheers
There is an interesting in-depth article on 'Ethanol in Fuel' in the January 2019 issue of 'CooperWorld' the magazine of the Mini Cooper Register.
Ethanol is due to rise to almost 10% by volume in UK from January 2019. Recent research, tests and checks by the writer of the article on various carburettor and injection classic Minis found that rubber fuel lines soon harden and degrade, usually cracking from the inside out, unseen until failure occurs, especially if outer braiding prevents proper inspection. All rubber 'O' rings need to be made from 'Vitron' introduced in early 2000's, the HIF SU is particularly vulnerable as the float chamber is 100% sealed with an O ring and if it fails the leak is directly above the exhaust manifold.....
Burlen/SU has changed their fuel pump diaphragm to a single layer ethanol resistant component, advice is to change it if more than 10 years old.
Burlen/SU needle valve tips are now 'Vitron' tipped to resist ethanol, (SU/Burlen part number now prefixed with a letter V to designate).
Brass floats fail as ethanol attacks the solder over time. An ethanol proof black 'StayUp' float made from a closed cell puncture proof foam has been introduced.
SU needle jet and needle material has been changed to Nickel Silver around 2010 to make them ethanol proof along with other wet side SU components.
SPi and MPi Mini fuel hose rubber components are also at risk as they were designed prior to 1995.
The conclusion is if your fuel system components are over 10 years old you can be sure they are not ethanol proof sufficiently for current fuel blends, so be vigilant, check regularly or replace in advance as necessary and stay safe.
That is good to hear that Burlen is on the case. Some good advice here, thanks.
