I took Rolands advice and checked out Chevrons WEB site. They say that
reformulated gasoline (RFG) can damage "elastomers" (they mean the rubber
sealing dookies in our fuel system). Our elastomers can be damaged by
swelling or shrinkage. They took some stuff out of the gas. The lack of
that stuff can cause previously swelled elastomers to shrink and cause
leaks. They put some stuff into the gas. This new stuff can cause
previously un-swelled elastomers to swell and cause leaks. The age of the
elastomers and the material in the elastomers can be contributing factors.
Old seals, hoses, etc., that have hardened can be a problem. New materials
are more resistant to the chemicals.
The RFG (Reformulated Gasoline) has 2-3% less energy in it than the old stuff.
RFG has lower vapor pressures than old gas. This can contribute to hard
starting in cold weather. Reduced vapor pressure has some interesting
consequences for fuel storage. Normally, the air-fuel ratio in the space
above fuel in a container is too rich for combustion. In cold weather the
vapor pressure of RFG can drop low enough to change this situation. Chevron
stressed that an ignition source is required for there to be a problem.
Frank Marrone MK I Tiger B9471116
marrone(at)wco.com 1966 LTD
Series I Alpine (2.3L powered by Ford)
Yamaha Seca 900 (new arrival)
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