Classic Engines, Modern Fuel

Royalties

The royalties from the sale of Classic Engines, Modern Fuel is being used to support schooll children in a rural village in Tanzania.

Here are pictures of the children and details of how you are helping them when you buy a copy of the book.

You can also find an update on progress here.

Additives

Another possible additive that may improve the way a classic engine runs on modern petrol. Acetone.

Have a look at this bulletin board thread.

UK Government to introduce E10 next year

I this a worry for classic car owners?

The scientific tests at Manchester Univeristy ranked E10 as the 3rd best fuel to use in your classic vehicle. But there are issues (see below). And NO it is not what you may think.

Want to know which were the top two ranking fuels? Or how to avoid the issues?

Buy the book Classic Engines, Modern Fuel, The Problems, the Solutions. It has a whole chapter on Ethanol blended petrol. Here is an article on E10.

BEWARE: there is a lot of nonsense talked about E10. For example, some people are saying "E10 reduces CO2 emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide." This is completely untrue!

Classic cars and motor bikes and modern fuel do not go well together. There many real problems that can result in serious damage to an engine or the components of the fuel system. The addition of ethanol to petrol is a real worry.

Look at the before and after pictures below. It is hard to believe these pictures were taken only 6 months apart

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misleading information and speculation on the Internet about the effects of modern fuel. In order to find out what was really important, a set of tests were run on a classic engine using the facilities at Manchester University. These are the most comprehensive set of tests ever run on a classic engine.

The results of the tests, background information on engines and carburettors and suggested solutions to the problems have been published in a book Classic Engines, Modern Fuel. The Problems, the Solutions. This is a must read for any classic or old-timer vehicle owner.

The website supports the book. It hosts:

• A bulletin board allowing owners ask questions and share information. It is organised along the lines of the chapters in the book
• The shape of the ignition advance curve is very important. A section allows owners to plot and share advance curves for their vehicles.
• A section that allows owners to share information about the best brand or type of fuel to use in their classic vehicle.