Auto Fuel for Ximangos

[Webmaster]

EAA Says ‘No’ to Increased Ethanol Blending in Auto Fuel

May 21, 2009 — EAA is strongly opposing a petition (EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0211) to the EPA from the ethanol producers trade group, Growth Energy, and 54 other ethanol producers to increase the percentage of ethanol that can be blended with automobile gasoline, from 10 percent to 15 percent. EAA and its members have been fighting for the right to obtain auto fuel gasoline that is free of ethanol for several years.
Here are the facts:

• EAA, Cessna Aircraft Corporation, and FAA studies have proven that ethanol-blended fuels are harmful to piston-powered general aviation aircraft and their fuel system components (fuel lines, fuel pumps, seals, and fuel tanks).

• Ethanol increases the vapor pressure of gasoline forming gaseous bubbles in the fuel system resulting in vapor lock. Vapor loc k starves the engine of fuel and causes engine failure in flight with little or no opportunity for restart. This is a critical safety issue.

• To date, EAA and Petersen Aviation have issued 57,600 FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) to type certificated aircraft owners authorizing them to use auto fuel as their primary fuel. Despite several attempts by EAA and others, ethanol-blended gasolines have not been able to meet the FAA flight safety fuel certification standards. As a result, the FAA prohibits these STC holders from using auto fuel containing ethanol.

• Nearly all of the 28,000+ experimental amateur-built aircraft flying today are also eligible to use auto fuel. Experimental aircraft do not need an FAA approved STC to operate with motor gasoline.

• There are an estimated 5,000 ultralight vehicles and 8,000 experimental light sport aircraft with engines requiring the use of auto fuel. Ultralights and E-LSAs do not require an STC to operate with auto fuel.

• The majority of LSA, the fastest growing segment of recreational aviation, are eligible to use auto fuel and many require it. These aircraft do not need an STC to operate with auto fuel.

• The most popular engines for ultralights, LSA and many amateur-built aircraft owners are made by Rotax. All Rotax models are designed and approved to operate with auto fuel, and most models of Rotax engines contain a warning in the operators manual stating that even small amounts of ethanol in auto fuels “could cause troubles.” The four-stroke Rotax engines have been approved to operate on up to five percent ethanol, however this is far below the levels found in the currently available fuel.

Several other small-engine recreational users and industries are also urging the EPA to decline the ethanol industry’s petition, including Marco Sportfishing Club; Tyson Foods, Inc.; The Poultry Federation of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma; Cape Romain Bird Observatory; Captain Pete’s Jetski Service; Kelly’s Small Engines; Smith Mountain Yacht Club, Inc.; Advanced Marine Services, and others.

[Webmaster]

It seems that several people have advised that auto fuel would be a good way to go for Ximangos. It seems that the issue is ethanol. This is a good issue to be tracking. I think our gear handles the ethanol, but it might be an environmental issue (altitude, temperature, etc.) Any thoughts?

[John Lawton]

Hey Steve,

I read that Rotax is okay with up to 10% ethanol, but there still are the issues of the ethanol hiding water, which could potentially freeze in the lines, and the increased chance for vapor lock.

I can still get 93UL without ethanol here. There is one Exxon station and one Shell station near my strip that proudly display banners that say "NO ETHANOL" on their street signs. Not sure how much longer that is going to last, though. I've noticed that the places that still have ethanol free fuel are more rural gas stations. All the stations over in Chattanooga switched to 10% ethanol quite a while back. The EAA sells a nifty little ethanol tester for about $15. Works great.

On a related note, Lockwood's 912/914 maintenence video says if you run 100LL it will leave a thick lead sludge in the oil tank. Eventually, if not cleaned out, the lead sludge will build up to the point where it will start to be picked up by the oil pickup tube and it gets pumped back through the oil system and the engine. Not good.

I've found that it doesn't take much 100LL to cause a build up of the lead sludge, either. I mostly run 93UL, but occasionally will run 100LL if I have to get fuel while I'm out and about. I'd guess I run 100LL about 20% of the time. I have noticed a lot of lead sludge in my oil tank at every oil change, even with such little use of 100LL. So, check your tank for lead sludge when you change your oil if you run 100LL. Watch out for the aluminum screen plate in the bottom, too. It has sharp edges. I layed my finger open once already.

Regards,

John Lawton
Whitwell, TN (TN89)
Ximango #135

[Russ Hustead]

Hi all,
A little late boarding the ship, but I'm here for questions. Re Ethanol. I took the Rotech Service course last April in beautiful Vernon, BC. Boy do I have some stories, maybe I post them in the 914 engine failure section. They recommend using TCP if you have to run 100LL. I recommend 25 hour oil changes as the best way to deal with the lead issue. And if you do run 100LL you need a gearbox inspection at 600 hrs. Declin is the same as TCP, I may be mispelling it. It comes in a very handy small plastic container which allows easy dosing and storage in baggage (as compared to a can of TCP). I'm sure Spruce sells it.

Some sludge does build up, but it isn't too hard to take the sump apart and clean it up, at least in the Diamond installation. Remember not to let any air enter the oil line going toward the engine or you have to go through the purging of the oil system. I haven't had to clean my sump as I just end up getting new engines!!

The last I heard Ximango wasn't approved for MOGAS although Rotax strongly recommends it. Maybe Aeromot has approved it. We don't have ethanol up here in a little country town, or at least the last time I tested we didn't. I gave up testing and just use Super Premium unleaded from either Texaco or Shell. I've never had an issue with autogas but remember I'm flying a Diamond and not a Ximango.

Russ