BHPian anjan_c2007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:XP100 Fuel For My 1955 LandmasterI am sharing images from today’s drive with my Landmaster. The tank showed a low fuel level to start with the fuel needle hovering wee bit below the dreaded “E” level. With traffic signal stoppages enroute, I felt jittery. But my “Lady in Black” that has never let me down yet ran majestically doing its duty till the outlet was reached. The small quantity of leftover fuel was Power 95 by HP from the E10 era. The car ran sans much of hassles with the E10 concoction all through the past years.I had added Sta-bil, a recommended fuel additive to check gumming and ill effects of fuels remaining stagnant for longer durations. In fact, I had got very good feedbacks from a British vintage car forum about this additive. Not a single user had any grievances with the product. In this ethanol concoction era its a saviour for old engines though the hygroscopic liquid has no remedy at all even with additives. As the fuel level was low, I felt blessed. It enabled me plan a total switchover to XP 100 from Indianoil from the near empty fuel tank. The fuel XP 100 till this day is ethanol free and as we all are aware, and is regularly used by high end cars and bikes. It costs Rs 160 per litre in my city, but that’s the insurance premium you pay to Indianoil to indemnify your old car’s fuel system and engine against unforeseen damages. I am sure that my Landmaster during its 70 year lifetime was consuming XP 100 for the first time. This fuel was earlier scarce and even when available was avoided by most vintage car owners. The drive back home from the outlet, a distance of about 5 kms felt too gleeful both to the car and its driver, Yours Truly. The car performed to well and the engine sound proved it all. Camera clicks by youngsters at traffic signal halts were nearly five in all. The switchover to XP 100 is worthwhile and I believe that those who value their machines need to rethink bypassing ethanol. Ethanol will surely in the long run damage rubber, plastic, metal viz petrol tank, fuel pump and carburettor plus the pipes of metal that transport the fuel, exhaust system and more in such older cars and bikes. It corrodes and forms deposits on aluminium and also corrodes iron/ cast iron components. Yes, engine damage in the long run cannot be ruled out. Very recently, I had to change over the petrol tank (rusted), fuel pump (diaphragm spoilt and aluminium starting to corrode) and all hardened rubber fuel pipes of my 1987 Maruti 800. Spares for carburreted Maruti 800’s are too scarce in the market these days. Some images:- Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
