SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
Lead Replacement Additives for Fuel
deltarider:
--- Quote from: Robert W on September 06, 2025, 02:52:27 PM ---It can also attract and absorb water, which leads to rust in the gas tank and corrosion in the fuel system.
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Hmm, it is a bit more complicated. Alcohol absorbs water, binds it and so passes the combustion chambers with no problem. In this form it does not cause corrosion in the tank. Actually it is better in this respect than gas without alcohol. Then any water like from condens will sink to the bottom of your tank and possibly cause corrosion.
Thinks go wrong when gas with alcohol is allowed to absorb so much water, like in an only partially filled tank for a long period of time, that it can no longer bind it all and phase separation occurs. That can cause all kinds of nasty problems. 5% of alcohol or less should be no problem, but you can also opt for premium alcoholfree gas like V-power or Ultimate. But these juices are more expensive.
Robert W:
Totally agree with you.
Our government here in Canada has made it almost impossible to acquire gasoline without ethanol. Even Shell V-Power now has up to 5% ethanol. Some marinas as well as some airport fuel suppliers offer ethanol free petrol which I have yet to source.
deltarider:
--- Quote from: Robert W on September 07, 2025, 11:30:03 AM ---[...] Even Shell V-Power now has up to 5% ethanol. [...]
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In EU it's law to have '5%' put on the V-power pistol's grip, but in practice the actual percentage is still zero or neglectable.
Rayzerman:
Ethanol will saturate at about 4.5% water, then it can't take any more, and excess will separate and sink to the bottom of the tank. Isopropanol on the other hand can take care of many times that. So, if your bike is going to sit, dump in some Seafoam, which is naptha (a component of most fuel additives) and ~30% isopropanol. Or you could use a couple ounces of isopropanol by itself. The naptha is a slow-acting solvent, dissolves gummy deposits.
The problem with water occurs when you have a partial tank, and not in a stable temperature environment... i.e., the tank breathes as the air expands and contracts, drawing in new moisture.
deltarider:
--- Quote from: Rayzerman on September 08, 2025, 11:24:53 PM ---Ethanol will saturate at about 4.5% water, then it can't take any more, and excess will separate and sink to the bottom of the tank. Isopropanol on the other hand can take care of many times that. So, if your bike is going to sit, dump in some Seafoam, which is naptha (a component of most fuel additives) and ~30% isopropanol. Or you could use a couple ounces of isopropanol by itself. The naptha is a slow-acting solvent, dissolves gummy deposits.
The problem with water occurs when you have a partial tank, and not in a stable temperature environment... i.e., the tank breathes as the air expands and contracts, drawing in new moisture.
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Yes. It's ironic that fuel system additives - which can be very helpful - consist for a large part of alcohol. Naphtha is also wonderful stuff and is the only petrochemic product that I know which is safe for all rubbers. Problem for me personally: I can't stand the smell. If I use it outdoors I will have the smell in my nose for the rest of the day.
So you could make your own fuel system cleaner. But I don't know how to compose it thus that the brew will evenly mix with gasoline and that's what commercial products claim they do. So... your choice.
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