10 replies to this topic

[Bobbins]

Do we have a thread (or has anyone started or intended to start one) related to what needs changing to be compatible with modern high ethanol content fuel?

 

It's unlikely the problem will go away, potentially it will get worse with many drivers swapping to electric and there likely becoming less demand for E5, therefore doing nothing isn't really an option. Also, using an additive can surely achieve only so much, the ethanol is still there so it might only buy some extra time?

 

I'm currently doing full rebuilds on two Minis, a 1986 and a 1998 so have the opportunity to fit replacement R14 fuel pipe etc while I have so much access, but what else needs changing? Ideally could we create a list of all the necessary items to be changed for various model years with the specification needed for each component, pipe length etc? 

 

Even if the whole fuel system isn't updated, it would give a guide as to which components need a more regular inspection to check for issues.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Stu.

[Cabby]

Anything rubber, really. Rubber fuel pipe, rubber sealing gaskets and 'o' rings, fuel pump rubber diaphragm. Can't think of anything else.

[stuart bowes]

did someone also mention at some point there was an ideal compression ratio (or sensible upper limit?) for these lower octane fuels that might be useful to know and perhaps a link or bit of reasoning as to why that is 

Edited by stuart bowes, 06 December 2023 - 04:58 PM.

[Bobbins]

I’m not sure octane is particularly an issue? 91 RON is pretty decent when considered what is available for Minis in some countries?

I think though with our collective knowledge we could assemble a list of the ethanol-problem components for each generation of Mini.

[Midas Mk1]

Highly recommend Mocal Codan fuel lines, I was shocked at the state of lines fitted last year as bought from the ebay mini seller, cracked, brittle like fragile plastic.

[Shooter63]

The 3 types of hose which are known to work are Codan, Cohline ( Mocal ) and Gates barricade and when you think about it anything direct from a main dealer, if you use Codan you will find that it goes rock hard but holds up well unfortunately non of the above are cheap at around £15.00 a Mtr but personally I think its a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Shooter

[Deeppockets]

The ethanol is hygroscopic so in addition to ethanol attacking rubber components absorbed water can also corrode metal components. Particularly at risk are the alloy carbs, steel fuel tanks can also be vulnerable.

[68+86auto]

Codan is just a hose manufacturer who makes many types of fuel hose, many of which are incompatible with ethanol. You need to check the exact hose specification. The Gates Barricade stuff is what I use, it is surprisingly difficult to find ethanol rated hose in stores here.

 

I have used Codan hose that wasn't rated for ethanol and it did work but goes hard. The chain store which sold it replaced Codan with a lower quality brand and that hose doesn't last five minutes touching ethanol. That store doesn't stock ethanol compatible hose at all.

Edited by 68+86auto, 07 December 2023 - 04:50 AM.

[Bobbins]

I’ve sourced a couple of metres of Gates Barricade, as I replace the standard hoses I’ll measure each section and create a list of what’s needed.

[whistler]

Been advised recently to use a fuel stabilizer added to a tankful to avoid ethanol corrosion.

[nicklouse]

I would not be buying cheap/ebay unknown supplier. As they tend to be not what hey say.

 

areas to think about. Pumps. Pressure regulators. Mixed metals in carbs. And of cause flexy hoses. Keep away from the ones with metal covers as you can’t see when they are fubsr.