08-05-2020, 01:49 AM
The composition of petrol varies both regionally and seasonally. In the winter, for example, a more volatile blend is sold.
Presumably some of these blends would be more stable than others.
When unleaded petrol was introduced in NZ it had, rumour had it, a high level of benzene (C6H6) to bring the petrol up to the advertised octane rating. Rubber fuel hoses were dissolved and fires in engine bays were reported, but the fuel companies denied responsibility - as you would expect, benzene being a dangerous carcinogen.
My grandfather, who fought in Palestine in WWI, always referred to petrol as "benzene".
Presumably some of these blends would be more stable than others.
When unleaded petrol was introduced in NZ it had, rumour had it, a high level of benzene (C6H6) to bring the petrol up to the advertised octane rating. Rubber fuel hoses were dissolved and fires in engine bays were reported, but the fuel companies denied responsibility - as you would expect, benzene being a dangerous carcinogen.
My grandfather, who fought in Palestine in WWI, always referred to petrol as "benzene".