Stale fuel - ethanol?

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ian Howell
Posts: 963
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:46 am
Your interest in the forum: From 1962 to '63, CA Bradord LLG 125 (Repaired and used).
From 1966 to '67 Black deLuxe Javelin LDF 738 (Scrapped with broken chassis)
From 1967 to '87 Black de Luxe Javelin MKC 1 (later 6469TU). (Sold as non-runner with tons of spares, 1987)
From about 1980 to '87 ex WD Jowett stationary engine. (Sold on)
From 1966 to present, 1930 Long Four Fabric Saloon, Dark Blue / Black.
Taken in a part-repaired state to the 2010 Centenary Rally, returned to a roadworthy state by 2013.
Given Name: Ian
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England
Contact:

Stale fuel - ethanol?

Post by ian Howell »

Today I decided to start my 1930 Long Four in anticipation of a run to the L2B in November.

It was last run about a week ago but would NOT start today. I last put fuel (E5) in about a month back. I always run the engine to empty the carb when not using it again the next day, to minimise corrosion to the float and jets.

I eventually decided the reason must be stale fuel despite having one of those 'metallic' diamond shaped devices in the tank to 'prevent stale fuel'.

So, drain the tank and replenish the fuel, no problem - really?!

The filler cap to the tank was locked solid and only relented when I fitted a 'jubilee' type hose clip to get a better grip.

Fresh fuel and all seems well (for now!).

Just a thought - check that YOUR filler caps have not corroded sold since the last time you put fuel in the tank.
The devil is in the detail!
Tony Fearn
Posts: 1743
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:33 pm
Your interest in the forum: Early pre-wars. Owner of 1933 'Flying Fox' 'Sarah Jane, and 1934 Short saloon 'Mary Ellen'.
Given Name: Anthony
Location: Clayton le Moors, Lancashire, the Premier County in the British Isles!!

Re: Stale fuel - ethanol?

Post by Tony Fearn »

Hello Ian.
You might remember that I have had petrol problems with my pre-wars in the past, mainly during the winter.
viewtopic.php?p=20128&hilit=water+in+petrol#p20128 might help.
But perhaps your tank might be under the bonnet, and the filler cap could do with a good clean and a smear of copper-ease on the threads.
Tony.
ian Howell
Posts: 963
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:46 am
Your interest in the forum: From 1962 to '63, CA Bradord LLG 125 (Repaired and used).
From 1966 to '67 Black deLuxe Javelin LDF 738 (Scrapped with broken chassis)
From 1967 to '87 Black de Luxe Javelin MKC 1 (later 6469TU). (Sold as non-runner with tons of spares, 1987)
From about 1980 to '87 ex WD Jowett stationary engine. (Sold on)
From 1966 to present, 1930 Long Four Fabric Saloon, Dark Blue / Black.
Taken in a part-repaired state to the 2010 Centenary Rally, returned to a roadworthy state by 2013.
Given Name: Ian
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England
Contact:

Re: Stale fuel - ethanol?

Post by ian Howell »

Done it Tony!

Once bitten...
The devil is in the detail!
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