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Thread: Unleaded fuel

  1. #1
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Unleaded fuel

    A quick question really...
    Is a 1966 Ford 390cu.in unleaded compliant?
    In other words, will it run on E10 without causing problems?
    Thanks.

  2. #2
    NSRA member mygasser's Avatar
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    if you retard the timing to stop it pinking your only issue will be valve seat regression. if it's a toy not a daily driver that could take years to present as a problem though.
    neil.

  3. #3
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Thanks Neil.

  4. #4
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    I run everything on E5. The least amount of ethanol you can get away with is best in my book.
    I only use E10 if I absolutely have to because I can't get anything else.
    Probably worse in a vehicle that doesn't get used much. Leaving it stood could gum things up, it attacks all manor of things. Loathsome stuff.

  5. #5
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Bringing this thread up again....
    Will a Weber 38Dgas be ok with E10?
    I'm having the heads done after the season to fit hardened valve seats
    and wonder if the Weber will run on it without any issues?
    Anyone done it yet?

  6. #6
    Moderator jsf55's Avatar
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    It should run fine if tuned right. But it'll corrode and eat it if left in over winter or any long period of time

    Sent from my SM-A515F using NSRA mobile app

  7. #7
    NSRA member mygasser's Avatar
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    i'd also replace every rubber pipe and seal from tank to carb, including the fuel pump diaphram for ethanol compatible ones.
    neil.

  8. #8
    Moderator Brizey's Avatar
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    Some older carbs using nylon/plastic floats have had the float `swell up` because of using E10, causing the float to stick and flood the carb; a big fire risk!. I had this problem with a `60s Lambretta I have, it also had an internal plastic gauze filter that softened and looked like it had melted. Luckily replacement E10 compatible floats and filters are available but I still make sure I only run E5.
    If I have to use E10 in my roadster (new E10 compatible Stromberg`s) or Lambretta I only put a couple of gallons in to get me to another gas station to fill up with E5...
    "The older i get, the faster i was".
    Out to pasture ...
    My Intro My Rods

  9. #9
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Thanks for the info. So if I run E5 as now, the carb should be OK as is?
    I've had no problems that way so far but would I have to still use the additive to protect the carb?

  10. #10
    NSRA member mygasser's Avatar
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    i'd pop the top off the weber to check it has a brass float fitted.
    neil.

  11. #11
    Moderator Brizey's Avatar
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    Yes, I think older carbs are fine on E5 Bill. But I keep a bottle of additive in my car just in case I have to use E10, to protect the system as a whole, carb, pump, filter, regulator, rubber fuel hoses etc...
    "The older i get, the faster i was".
    Out to pasture ...
    My Intro My Rods

  12. #12
    NSRA member kapri's Avatar
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    In MY experience you suffer more problems with a brass float than with plastic. Ethanol in any grade eats soft metails ( brass and solder) and can pinhole floats causing flooding. I automatically swap to plastic on carb rebuilds .

    I also use only genuine OEM carb overhaul kits.EDIT ( cheap) ABS plastic will melt in petrol or even acetone hence why i chose OEM parts
    Last edited by kapri; 30-06-24 at 03:32 PM.
    Galations 6:7

  13. #13
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Thanks for the replies. I'll have to strip the carb down at the time I get the heads done then.
    At least you've given me some idea of what to look for.

  14. #14
    NSRA member Knowledge's Avatar
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    When at the FBHVC AGM a wile back we had a presentation from an ex-oil co committee member. He said some times the fuel in the pumps that says E5 that are close to distribution depots are actually E0, NO methanol added at all.....
    I know you think you believe you understood what I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what I said isn't always what I meant.


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  15. #15
    NSRA member kapri's Avatar
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    A mate left petrol in his Stromberg 81s ( accidentally as he normally runs it dry when parked up ) . Power valve is now seized in there due to ali to brass electrolysis
    Galations 6:7

  16. #16
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Just to bring this thread up to date.
    I have had the hardened valve seats done and new valves fitted so that's one job done.
    I've also changed all the pipes from tank to carb for E10 compatible ones and the electric
    pump I fitted last year is compatible too. So, I can't find any site anywhere online that
    sells E10 compatible parts for my Weber 38DGAS unless anyone knows of one? If not it
    begs the question that if I run on E10 with the lead replacement additive, will that protect
    the carb seals? It has a brass float and the valve has a 'rubber' seal at the tip.
    Comments welcome.

  17. #17
    NSRA member mygasser's Avatar
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    and the accellerator pump diaphram don't forget.
    neil.
    why not get hold of webcon and ask the question. they make new 38dgas carbs again so they must be compatible? they may do a rebuild kit with ethanol proof parts.
    neil

  18. #18
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    Thanks Neil. Have Emailed them.

  19. #19
    NSRA member BuffaloBill's Avatar
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    I have been in touch with Webcon about those E10 compatibility parts and yes they do sell a kit for them.
    Great communication with them too. Parts now on order. They also mentioned that if the car is not being
    run for 2 weeks or more, then the carb should be run dry before leaving it. So it looks like I will have to fit
    a switch for the pump now to make that an easy job!

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