E20 Petrol and Your Bike: What to Watch Out for This Monsoon

With E20 petrol, there are a few things you need to take care of with your two-wheeler, especially in monsoons. Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning, it absorbs moisture from its surroundings. So, if the ethanol in the petrol senses hydration around, it ditches petrol and bonds with water. This process, known as phase separation, leaves a heavier layer of water and ethanol at the bottom of the fuel tank, while the remaining petrol is on top. If this layer of water-contaminated ethanol is drawn into the engine, it can cause rough running, misfires, or even stalling.

Now, as we know, during monsoons, humidity levels rise, fuel caps get rained on, bikes are likely to be left out in the moist weather, and we even have to ride our bikes through waterlogged streets sometimes. All of these certainly increase the possibility of water making its way into the fuel system. That’s why we have curated this specific set of precautions that can help you to ride your bike away from these problems:

 

1. Check your fuel cap: If avoided, this could be the biggest cause of water entering the fuel tank, and probably the easiest fix too. Check if the rubber seal on the fuel tank lid is worn or cracked, or if the lid doesn't shut tightly due to any irregularity. We advise you to get it repaired or replaced before the monsoon hits. And goes without saying, close the fuel cap properly and double-check every time you refuel.

2. Don't let water force near the tank opening: Save your fuel tank lid from direct exposure to rain. Avoid parking your bike in the open during monsoon or use a waterproof bike cover. Avoid using the cheap plastic covers for fuel caps – these can cause small gaps in the lid, which would otherwise be sealed properly. If water seeps through the closed fuel tank lid, you would be better off replacing the rubber seals on it. 

3. Keep the tank full: Especially if the bike or scooter is going to be parked for a few days. This will ensure there’s no room for moisture to seep in. 

4. Don't let fuel sit for too long: If you're not riding daily, top up more often rather than leaving old fuel sitting in the tank. If your bike is parked for over a month, the fuel can absorb too much moisture and start to go stale. So, drain the tank before leaving and disconnect the battery.

5. Avoid loose petrol and fill up from a reputable petrol pump: Always buy fuel only from reputed fuel stations – the easiest way to find out in a new city is to ask locals or check for the amount of vehicles in the daytime. More often than not, unscrupulous petrol pumps will often be emptier than the good ones. This will ensure you get unadulterated petrol and one that was stored properly. 

6. Know the warning signs early: Don't keep riding the bike if you are facing trouble starting, rough idling, jerky acceleration, or sudden stalling. These could be signs your fuel might have water in it. Instead, get it checked at a service centre before the trouble worsens.

7. Get your bike serviced before monsoon: This should matter more to those who ride an older, carbureted bike. As mentioned earlier, ethanol can be mildly harsh on certain rubber parts in your bike’s fuel system, so better get them inspected before rain hits. Even otherwise, it is advisable to have your spark plugs, air filter, and fuel lines checked before the monsoon for a trouble-free ride.

8. Ride your bike regularly: A bike that's used often keeps its fuel moving, which lowers the chance of phase separation as compared to a tank that's been sitting idle for days.

BikeDekho Says:

None of this means E20 fuel is totally unsafe for monsoon riding. For E20-compliant bikes, which make up the entire new two-wheeler lineup across manufacturers, regular monsoon maintenance is just good housekeeping rather than damage control.