E10 Petrol

[GTR_STEALTH]

Most new and many older vehicle models can run on E10 blended petrol. Vehicle manufacturers and importers have provided the following information on the capability of their vehicles to operate on ethanol fuel blends up to a maximum of 10% or E10 subject to the fuel meeting the octane requirements of the vehicle, complying with relevant mandatory Australian fuel quality standards and the AIP/FCAI Code of Practice for volatility characteristics (Fuel Volatility Index). The Commonwealth Government has limited the level of ethanol in petrol in Australia at a maximum of 10%. The information below provides technical reasons why some models cannot or should not use E10.

Before use of E10 in motor vehicles not listed below, you should consult your handbook or manufacturer to check if the fuel is suitable.

CARS:

Holden All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below. The following models which do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel: Apollo (1/87-7/89), Nova (2/89-7/94), Barina (1985-1994), Drover (1985-1987), Scurry (1985-1986), Astra (1984-1989).

Ford All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below. The following models may not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel because of drivability concerns: Focus (All), F-series (1986-1992), Ka (All), Maverick (1988-1993), Mondeo (All), Transit (1996 onwards). The following models do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel: Capri (1989-1994), Courier (All), Econovan (pre-2002), Festiva (1991-1999), Laser 1.3L & 1.5L (1980-1989), Laser 1.6L (1989-2002), Raider (All), Telstar (All).

Mitsubishi All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10. Mitsubishi vehicles with carburettor fuel systems built before 1991 may experience hot fuel handling concerns and may experience a lower level of durability in some fuel system components.

Toyota All Toyota models manufactured locally or imported by Toyota Australia since 1987 will operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel except as listed below. The following models will not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel due to material compatibility issues: Camry with carburettor engines pre July 1989 and Corolla pre July 1994. Supra - pre May 1993, Cressida - pre Feb 1993, Paseo - pre Aug 1995, Starlet - pre July 1999. Land Cruiser - pre Aug 1992, Coaster - pre Jan 1993, Dyna - pre May 1995, Tarago - pre Oct 1996, Hilux , Hiace, & 4 Runner - pre Aug 1997, Townace - pre Dec 1998.

Alfa Romeo All Alfa Romeo vehicles imported since 1998 must run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol). Post 1998 Alfa Romeo vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 ethanol blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended as there are material compatibility and drivability issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations. E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended for earlier model Alfa Romeo vehicles due to material compatibility issues.

Audi All current Audi vehicles must run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol). All Audi vehicle models since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below: Audi A3 1.8L (Engine Code 'APG' 2000 onwards) and A4 2.0L (Engine Code 'ALT' 2001 onwards) will operate satisfactorily on E5 ethanol blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended for these vehicle models as there are material compatibility and drivability issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Bentley All petrol engine vehicles since 1990 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

BMW All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Citroen All Citroen vehicles are required to run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol). Citroen vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 blended petrol is not recommended because of drivability and/or material compatibility issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Chrysler All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Daewoo GMDaewoo does not recommend the use of ethanol blended petrol.

Daihatsu Use of E10 in any Daihatsu model vehicles is not recommended because of material incompatibility.

Honda All Honda vehicles should use the fuel recommended in the Owner's Manual. The following models will operate satisfactorily on E10: Insight - 2004 onwards; Civic range (including Civic Hybrid) - 2004 onwards; S2000 - 2004 onwards; CRV - 2003 onwards; MD-X - 2003 onwards; Accord & Accord Euro - 2003 onwards. Honda does not recommend E10 for other vehicle models because there may be drivability issues.

Hyundai Hyundai vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10, but if engine drivability concerns occur revert back to 100% unleaded petrol.

Ferrari Ferrari does not recommend the use of ethanol blend petrol. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Jaguar All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Kia All petrol engined vehicles since 1996 willoperate satisfactorily on E10 but if engine driveability concerns occur revert back to 100% unleaded petrol. Please refer to Owner' s Manual for further details.

Land Rover All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Lexus All models will operate satisfactorily on E10 except for the model listed below: The following model will not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel: IS200 - pre May 2002.

Maserati Maserati does not recommend the use of ethanol blend petrol. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Mazda Mazda 323 1.8L (1994 onwards), Mazda 323 2.0L (2001 onwards), Mazda2 (11/02 onwards), Mazda3 (All), Premacy (5/02 onwards), Mazda6 (8/02 onwards), 800M and Millenia (8/98 onwards), RX-8 (7/03 onwards), MPV (8/99 onwards), Tribute (All) and E-series (2002 fuel injected models onwards) vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10. All other models not listed above do not operate satisfactorily on E10.

Mercedes-Benz All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

MG MGF (2000 onwards), MG ZT (2002 onward) and MG TF (2002 onward) vehicles may operate satisfactorily on E10. However, use of E10 may affect engine calibration and emissions. MGF (pre-2000) does not operate satisfactorily on E10.

Nissan Nissan vehicles manufactured from 1 January 2004 onwards are capable of operation on ethanol-blended fuels up to E10 (10% ethanol), providing that blending of the ethanol component to the petroleum component of the fuel has been properly made at the fuel refinery (ie there is no "splash-blending" of the fuel). For Nissan vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 2004, Nissan Australia does not recommend the use of E10 because of drivability concerns and/or material compatibility issues.

Peugeot All Peugeot vehicles are required to run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol). Peugeot vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 blended petrol is not recommended because of drivability and/or material compatibility issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Proton All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Rover Rover 75 (2001 onwards) vehicles may operate satisfactorily on E10. However, use of E10 may affect engine calibration and emissions.

Renault All petrol engine vehicles since 2001 will operate satisfactorily on E10 but Renault does not recommend its use

Rolls Royce All petrol engine vehicles since 1990 until 2002 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Saab All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Subaru Subaru Liberty B4 (all year models) and Impreza WRX STI (1999 and 2000) do not operate satisfactorily on E10. All other since MY1990 petrol engine Subaru vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Suzuki Suzuki Alto, Mighty Boy, Wagon R+, Swift/Cino, Ignis Sport (1.5 litre requires 98RON), Sierra, Stockman, Vitara, X-90, Jimny (SOHC) and Super Carry vehicles do not operate satisfactorily on E10. Suzuki Baleno and Baleno GTX will operate satisfactorily on E10 but Suzuki does not recommend its use in these vehicles. Ignis (1.3 litre), Liana, Grand Vitara/XL-7, Jimny (DOHC) and Carry (1.3 litre) vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Volkswagen All Volkswagen vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10, but Volkswagen does not recommend it.

Volvo All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

MOTOR CYCLES:

Before use of E10 in motorcycles not listed below, you should consult your handbook or manufacturer to check if the fuel is suitable.

BMW All motorcycles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Harley Davidson All motorcycles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Honda All motorcycles and all terrain vehicles may operate satisfactorily on E10 but Honda does notrecommend it because there may be drivability issues. Drivability, performance or durability issues resulting from the use of E10 will NOT be covered by warranty.

Suzuki All motorcycles and all terrain vehicles do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel.

Yamaha All motorcycles and all terrain vehicles do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel.

TECHNICAL REASONS FOR INABILITY TO USE E10:

The following are reasons why certain vehicle models cannot or should not use E10 because of material incompatibility and driveability issues respectively. There are also comments on possible exhaust and evaporative emissions issues. This list was compiled from information submitted by manufacturers.

CANNOT USE BECAUSE OF MATERIAL INCOMPATIBILITY ISSUES

Early deterioration of components in fuel injection system:

Fuel tanks

Fuel lines/hoses

Injector seals

Delivery pipes

Fuel pump and regulator

Vehicles with carburettor fuel systems may experience hot fuel handling concerns and may experience a lower level of durability in some fuel system components.

Some manufacturers advise not to use E10 with any model equipped with a carburettor because of material incompatibility.

SHOULD NOT USE BECAUSE OF DRIVEABILITY ISSUES

Vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol will be greater (if not chemically adjusted) and probability of vapour lock or hot restartability problems will be increased.

Oxygen content of ethanol is 34.7%. This can cause the engine to run lean although the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can generally compensate via feedback from the O2 sensor under light throttle conditions. However, hesitation or flat-spots during acceleration can occur due to this lean-out effect.

Difficulty in starting and engine hesitation after cold start.

EXHAUST AND EVAPORATIVE EMISSION LEVELS

Lean-out resulting from the oxygenating effect of ethanol in the fuel may affect exhaust emissions.

Fuel containing ethanol can increase permeation emissions from fuel system components.

Vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol will be greater (if not chemically adjusted at the refining stage) and can lead to increased evaporative emissions.

[benl1981]

Maybe Nissan is being cautious.

[RANDY]

I'd say so... cause that is Nissan AUSTRALIA saying this.

I'm in favour of E10, just so you know. =-]

[Scribble]

What are your reasons RANDY?

[The Dan]

The only time I mix ethanol in my fuel is every 3 months to remove moisture from the tank and system. I do it in the form of methylted spirits which is 95% Ethanol. 2 litres in the tank and idle improves considerably, throttle response improves also. The blending of ethanol will not harm your Skyline if you are running on standard tune in regards to the lean out effect. It will, however, have an effect on the fuel system as stated above. Being an alcohol, it will burn out seals on injectors, lines and regs. Only temporary use is recommended. You can purchase fuel components for use with alcohol as most drag cars and sprint cars solely run on it, but it is not cost effective.

What is the octane rating of the new E10 fuel?

Most of our cars are designed to run on an octane rating of around 100. The closer to this, the better. Unless you were absolutely strapped for cash and needed to put something in, I would try to avoid it.

Edited October 22, 2005 by 3LIT3 FORS3

[RANDY]

What are your reasons RANDY?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Cheaper, cleaner, same octane if not higher, yields better power and depraves our greedy government of a few dollars a go! ;o)

[GTR_STEALTH]

Ok...this might sound stupid but E10 is going to be in use acrross the board yeah? ...They're not goin to install an extra pump for E10 as an option right???

[2rismo]

There's an interesting read in the new HPI magazine with Martin Donnon discussing the benefits of E10 as tested on a tuned 32 GTR... Makes for an interesting read.

Adrian

[The Dan]

They already have a dedicated E10 pump at the BP's I use. So I guess they will be R33 STEALTH.