ETHANOL UPSIDE?

Jerry Albrow’s method for removing ethanol in RC214 looks as if it ought to work. But the remaining petrol would actually be lower octane than before, not higher as he claims. In spite of its well-known disadvantages, ethanol is an octane booster, and would have to be replaced with one of the commercially available alternatives.

Bob Torrens, member No April fuel Frank, that trick does work.

Mixed as Jerry Albrow states, the ethanol will separate from the petrol and settle over several hours (or overnight). The ethanol-free petrol can then be syphoned off carefully and you have ethanol-free fuel. There will be a degree of lower octane, so it is recommended to add a dash of octane booster.

The drawback of course is the faff of mixing and syphoning, added to which is the cost of the octane booster. It’s fine for small engines if you really want ethanol-free stuff – mowers, strimmers and chainsaws – but for regular riding?

Go onto Youtube and search: ‘Removing ethanol from petrol’. There are loads of videos. Derek Reynolds, member

Thanks, chaps. I’m wondering whether this process is more or less tedious than simply draining the tank when taking a bike off the road for winter?