Autofuel STC

[VictorBravo]

Re: Autofuel STC

Just a curiosity, folks. Exactly where can you get auto fuel that does not have alcohol or ethanol in it these days? That stuff (and a lot of things that were not used in car gas back in the 1980's but are used today) are really not good for the fuel systems we rely on.

I agree that our little Continentals can't read the rule books too well, but they can sure tell whether they are happy with the fuel they are burning. Running alcohol laced gas through carburetors and valves and fuel seals that get attacked by these chemicals is a sure way to harm a perfectly good airplane.

Around here (Los Angeles) the car gas is about 50-75 cents cheaper than airplane gas. That is very very little savings compared to the risks of having car gas eat through a seal or an O-ring in flight.

I know that there are lots of people who say they've been running car gas for years, but I know people who say they've been using tobacco for years too and THINK they are still perfectly healthy.

IMHO, use airplane gas.

Bill Berle

[lktiller]

Re: Autofuel STC

Hello, Bill. Fortunately, here in the south, car gas is readily available without alcohol. There is legislative action afoot to change that. I believe EAA and AOPA are concerned about this.
The EAA web site (and the STC) shows a quick way to test for alcohol. I regularly test all the stations in my area and buy from the cheapest.
Also, I add a bit of MMO to the tank.

my perception:
100LL will carbon up my plugs quickly. Autofuel doesn't. Autofuel runs a bit cooler. Slightly more susceptible to carb ice.
With the timing set by the book, autofuel seems to give just a bit more power. I notice this on x-cntry where I can compare take-off performance with different fuels.

[Don Eide]

Re: Autofuel STC

A few of our gas stations have a pump with auto fuel without alcohol. Its for antique cars, snowblowers, lawnmowers, etc, (etc covers airplanes) but illegal to put in your modern car.

Don

[M Towsley]

Re: Autofuel STC

Hello all,

I have been obtaining alcohol free pump gas at the local Sam's Club. No indication on the pumps it has alcohol, though I test every batch with a Petersen alcohol tester, (graduated cylinder where you add a specific amount of water and gas to). This is the only place I can find regular grade alcohol free gas. I have heard FS gas stations have alcohol free fuel, too. My wife, who is in the Motor Fuel Tax Division with our state government, advised the PREMIUM gas at the majors, BP, Shell, etc., should be alcohol free. But, ALWAYS CHECK FOR ALCOHOL, it doesn't take that long to determine. The delivery sheets the attendant at the station obtains from the drivers should show what type of gas was delivered, HOWEVER, it is VERY common that drivers delivering fuel can and will dump the wrong fuel into the wrong tank. With you car you may not notice this, with your plane............. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Marty
'46 BC-12D
N95275

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Autofuel STC

I liked what lktiller (I hate these pseudonyms we use, can't we just sign our names?)said about making an ELT battery and invoking the “owner manufactured part” rules. Heck, I would be willing to test the stupid battery before EVERY FLIGHT rather than pay $70 for a hand full of “C” cells in some potting compound.
On the STC markings, I have the EAA STC and will need to go look and see EXACTLY what needs to be on the placard. Is mounting it right inside the windscreen acceptable? If it is clipped to the two tubes that end right behind the fuel cap it would be visible within 2 inches of the cap but wouldn’t be “outside”. Is there wording that requires the placard to be outside the plane?
Back to the ELT, we need a new thread for the new ones. I helped develop the requirements for new ELTs while I was at NASA but don’t know anything about what has happened since. Hope I didn’t help plant a tree that turned out to be an expensive weed.
Hank J

[Carl Ellis]

Re: Autofuel STC

The autofuel STC (Peterson) that I have requires the placards plus that stupid Adele clamp and tag that goes on the oil fill spout. Now we all have that clamp don't we? Mine was missing and my IA ferretted it out at this last annual.

- Carl -

[lktiller]

Re: Autofuel STC

I started a new thread on the ELT, Hank.
Does look like I need to change my name. I just haven't taken the time to figure out how to change my title. And since most ID requirements limit the ID to eight characters and this is what I use everywhere else.... well......

anyway I am: Larry K. Tillery
N95901 & N33943

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Autofuel STC

That's funny Larry. I didn't know I was talking to you. I thought it was someone who killed Lieutenants. ;-)
Hank

[lktiller]

Re: Autofuel STC

I fell over laughing on that one Hank!!!!
Most people see lktiller as 'lady killer'. (I wish!!!!)

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Autofuel STC

Hank,
The Petersen STC says (mounted near) the fuel filler cap. Nothing about inside or outside. How far is near? Only the IA who signs it off knows for sure. Mine said ok to just behind the windscreen. Howard

[M Towsley]

Re: Autofuel STC

My STC from E.A.A., from back in the late '80's, stated the placards had to be in front of the two WING tank openings. There was nothing about the fuselage tank opening?!?!?! Apparently an oversight. Only two placards were attached, both at the wing tanks.

Marty

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Autofuel STC

Gary ,yep tough crowd indeed. Jus good ol boys not meanin no harm though.
Yes the rules are there and the rules need to be followed...break the rules and one takes the chance. Hmm who out there takes a chance and flys anything let alone our beloved 60 plus year planes ? Wonder what our previous generation of law abiding Tcraft owners would do? Weeeel I have glanced at more than one log book from the forties and fifties and they make for interesting science fiction reading must say.

[Garry Crookham]

Re: Autofuel STC

Jim
My post wasn't meant to be critical...just want all to realize that something as simple as a missing placard can cause your IA a lot of grief.
Yes, many logbooks could win awards for creative or fictional writing!

Garry Crookham
N5112M
Tulsa

[mulwyk]

Re: Autofuel STC

Stupid Question:
Does the Auto Fuel STC involve any modification to the fuel system? Or does it just involve placing a placard near the fuel filler?
Bob Gustafson

[lktiller]

Re: Autofuel STC

Not a stupid question at all!!!!
The STC has all that info. Modifications depend on the engine. For the T'craft and the Cont. 65, 75, 85 as installed according to the Type Certificate, there are no modifications. These engines were built to use this fuel.
Engine list and modifications are on the EAA web site.
The STC owner ran lengthly & expensive tests to prove the feasibility & reliability of using this fuel. These tests are what you will be paying for.

Larry Tillery