FROM July, the Biofuels Act will require that regular unleaded petrol in NSW be replaced with E10, ethanol blended with unleaded petrol. Below are some key reasons why vehicle manufacturers do not recommend the use of any ethanol-blended fuels in vehicles made before 1986. This is also applicable to post-1986 vehicles listed as unsuitable to use such fuel.
In addition to problems with carburettor-equipped engines, the use of ethanol petrol in fuel injection systems may result in early deterioration of components like injector seals, delivery pipes and fuel pumps and regulators. Some injection systems may not be able to fully compensate for the lean-out effect of such fuel, resulting in hesitation or flat-spots during acceleration.
Difficulty in starting and engine hesitation after a cold start can also result. Use of the fuel may also reduce the value of unleaded cars. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries website lists vehicles that are are suitable for fuels containing ethanol.
Keith Jones, Wallsend
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