E85 fuel in a Vectra C 1.8 petrol

Hi

When I filled up yesterday, I erroneously used this pump instead of E5 or E10. I put in about 25 litres on top of the 30 litres of E10 already in the tank.

From my brief research, I don't think this will actually harm anything and I should just top up with the recommended fuels to dilute the mixture.*

Anyone got any comments on that ?

*This will now take longer than normal following President Macron's decision to restrict our movements significantly. His decision to close everything non-essential will undoubtedly bankrupt a lot of small businesses unless there is a fast and generous government aid measure implemented, and I wouldn't bet on that.

For sure, I wouldn't worry at all but I would continue to dilute the fuel mix as you say.
You won't get any problems with the fuel lines or pump - it takes much longer than that to make any difference.
Do keep an ear out for 'pinking' or pre ignition though - the vectra does have a knock sensor that listens for pre ignition and ******* the ignition a fraction but its not that accurate (in the UK at least). If you hear this tinkling sound, back off the throttle a bit.
John
Sincere condolences to all businesses affected by this virus....so many will go to the wall. I've cancelled one trip to France, one to Switzerland and also a Mediterranean cruise. A ghastly business.
J.

Thanks John

In truth I didn't know what might be affected as all the seals etc are ethanol-"proof" and so I do find myself wondering what this conversion kit costing £ 800 - £900 actually contains. I'm sure I will have the opportunity to listen for pinking as my drive up from the valley starts around 1 400' and culminates at 4 600' over 20 km with some steep gradients following hair-pin bends, so will be balancing the acceleration/revs carefully.

Happily I won't have the need for that for a while as I still have my winter-supplies maintaining me. Since snow is certain for 18 weeks and it is dangerous and difficult to trudge 50 m through 30 cm of snow and ice carrying bulky and heavy supplies, I buy about six months of toilet-rolls, UHT milk, soup in bricks, tinned tomatoes, mushrooms etc in October/November to minimise effort and winter-driving. Coincidentally one of the valley supermarkets had an evening wine-fair last week with tastings and nibbles, and I bought a significant number of bottles on the same basis i.e. buy when it's easy for stuff that doesn't go off, especially when there is an extra discount. Obviously one has to take into account that this risks extra consumption through availability !

Sorry about your cancelled holidays, which is a minus both for you and all those who would have been benefitting from your expenditure - like newspapers, a hotel-stay can only be sold before or on the day and no catch-up is possible.

As far as I am aware, ethanol proofing kits consist of new fuel lines, injector seals, pump diaphragms and so on......its only older injected vehicles that are considered, new cars being automatically able to deal with ethanol.
However, ethanol burning engines can tend to run much hotter than normal so cooler grade spark plugs are used too.
Holiday wise, I’ve asked for my stay to be deferred until safer times rather than cash back where possible.
I’m so relieved not to be in business myself.
Be safe in those mountains!
John