MG
The Classic Marque

We have had to use the 10% ethanol fuel blend for quite a number of years in my area of the US. I have had no problems with my MGs, nor my older American made truck. Most of the modern fuel hoses are resistant to ethanol, perhaps because we have had to use it for so many years now. There are reports that a petroleum/ethanol blend does not provide as good a fuel mileage as a pure petroleum blend...

Klingersil gaskets are all I use anymore. I've never had one leak. If the thermostat housing is corroded then replace it as well. If the head surface is corroded, a very thin smear of any quality sealer should seal things up nicely. Use anti-seize compound on the thermostat stud threads inside the cylinder head to prevent corrosion. If you use sealer, be sure to get it around the base of the ...

I second Bob's thoughts. For cars that do low mileages, keeping ethanol fuel in the tank is not a good idea. The fuel will degrade much more quickly than petrol and after a winter's lay-up could be almost useless. Of course "rubber" components can be swapped for more resistant materials. I have no data on the corrosion of metals like aluminium and brass.

But another thing that gets me is wh...

Ethanol is a solvent as well as being hydroscopic (attracts water). The impact on classic cars is therefore as a solvent on rubber and component parts like ally and brass on carbs over time. It can also impact on fibre glass. Of course the impact on different materials varies so rubber components like fuel lines will be more quickly effected than metal parts. That's why rubber fuel lines should be...

I think I Mr Graham, he's a good bloke, he's a retired Army General from Nigeria.

According to this the level is to increase to 10% from Jan 20 and we're all doomed!

All sounds a bit 'Broquet' to me.

Grey, I'm from near Blackpool so have been there many times - Yes, I suppose it can be barmy!
Andy, I should have said "awesome" but I don't want to offend Nigel ;-) Yes, we walked around the valley - I haven't seen rock formations like those anywhere. Didn't see any bears unfortunately. Drove out via Tioga Pass above 9000 feet - highest I've driven.

Guy,
a couple of professional working mechanical/engineering mates swear by Castrol Magnatec, one in his everyday Spridget (avert your eyes, 10w-40 too! BL specified for the donor A-series Maestro van engine, which is on a Webber and goes very well) and the other mate (I have two!) for his Ford Zetec engined Westfield.

So how about Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 C3 Fully Synthetic Car Engine ...

Allan,
unfortunately my vagueness comes from what I've also read recently and stuff I've read more than once. :)

I was thinking of where the oil was measured at 70c, the bottom of the sump, up from the bottom, elsewhere, as the sump is usually cooled from air going under the car - but it doesn't really matter as I've never really pinned down (or forgot) what temperatures which engines...

I think that's true Adrian.
The only reason it arose is that with a porous sump that needs replacing, l need to be doing an oil change so the first thing is to buy the oil, but should l go for original specification or a slightly heavier option.

In passing the other thing of note is the capacity which at a meagre 2.6 litres including the filter, is little enough to mean it must all work ...