Classic Car owners still don’t understand E10 fuel risks says CMC

UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / December 06, 2019 / Many classic cars Owners still do not understand the risks from modern petrol that can eat through old fuel pipes and cause vehicles to breakdown and in the worst case scenario go on fire say leading restoration company Classic Motor cars of Bridgnorth in Shropshire (CMC).

Fuel is changing; with the increase of Ethanol content in petrol to 10% as mandated by government legislation, the fuel systems of most classic cars will no longer be compatible with regular pump petrol. Indeed E10 is on sale in France now and most UK fuel already contains 5% ethanol. Even this low concentration can cause issues in older vehicles.

Nigel Woodward, Managing Director at CMC said: “ This puts your fuel system at risk. Original rubber seals, hoses and gaskets are not guaranteed safe against corrosion by Ethanol, creating leaks which could damage your fuel system and ultimately in the worst case risking possible fire.

“ We carry out restoration on hundreds of classic cars every year as well as annual and specific servicing and we are seeing more and more cars coming into our workshops that have major fuel problems with fuel lines and filters being eaten through.”

He added:” The problem is that many owners still don’t realise that modern fuel has been given ethanol additive which can eat through old style fuel lines and washers with devastating effect.

“We have seen several cars recently where there have been fuel leaks throughout the system and we have caught them in time. It’s obvious that if a fuel line or washer near a hot engine gives way then a vehicle can be quickly destroyed.”

In an effort to address the problem CMC have put together a kit, which can replace suspect fuel lines, washers and pumps. They have also partnered with Duckhams oil who provide a fuel additive can cut the risks and maintain an upgraded system.

Nigel said: “ Many owners have cars that are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and indeed have spent thousands of pounds restoring cars that they have found. If they want to safeguard their investment then they need to address the issue.”

If we have to replace a while system then it could cost between £1,500 and £2,000 but that may be a small price to pay. However the best thing to do is let us inspect the car and decide what needs to be replaced. In a car that has copper piping then it may just need the washers and seals replacing.”

Caption: 1 A fuel filter gasket that has been damaged as a result of the new type fuel.