Shell Oil has developed a replacement fuel for 100LL.
I think this is good news. Swift Fuels and GAMI have been working on this for a long time. Now so, apparently, also has Shell. The replacement of 100LL wasn't going to go anywhere, to my mind, until one of the major oil companies got involved.
Another issue is how they'll approve it. The Europeans have developed 91/96UL, but they pretty much have required that it be approved by the engine manufacturers. Which doesn't help the orphaned engines (like Franklin) very much. The hope is that the FAA will issue a blanket approval to use 100UL in all engines that now use 100LL.
Shell is also saying, though, that 100UL will cost more, based on the replacement of leaded motor fuels. That sounds like bullshit to me. The explanation for why 100LL cost so much has been that because it is the only leaded fuel remaining*, moving it around required transport by dedicated tanker trucks and other special handling. Apparently, 100UL won't require that.
It'll be great to say goodbye to the persistent problem of leading up spark plugs when one burns 100LL in engines designed for 80/87. There are additives that help (TCP and Decalin), as well as being smart with the mixture knob, though. Most owner-operators know about all that (or they should).
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* Yes, I know that 100/130 is around in a few places and they make 115/145 for Reno. STFU.
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Wednesday, December 4, 2013
6 comments:
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STC for auto gas helps cut fuel costs...it's just such a pain schlepping it out to the aircraft in 5-gallon jugs and climbing up onto the high wing with them.
ReplyDeleteAnd you have to find straight mogas, which in some areas, is almost unavailable. The 10% EtOH stuff isn't approved for use in aircraft engines.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Fortunately I can get it here at a few spots. But at my airport, the gas truck just comes out and fuels me if I want. It costs more but it's a whole lot more convenient than going to get my own from off-airport gas stations in 5-gallon jugs.
ReplyDeleteSigh... I miss the smell of 115/145 starting those old radials in the morning...
ReplyDelete115/145 for Reno!?!?!
ReplyDeleteSounds explosive.
Charles, 115/145 was once available at most larger airports. The big radials used it.
ReplyDeleteNFO, the day that the Stoof went off sea duty was the day they were popping champagne corks at NavAir.