TCP Question

[flyguy]

Anyone with long-term experience using a TCP product? My question is: In addition to preventing lead oxide deposits, will it do any scavenging of existing lead oxide deposits?
Darryl

[d.grimm]

Re: TCP Question

I started using it two years ago. Had numerous stuck valves (A65&A75)
using 100 oct. Haven't had a cylinder off since, 350 hours, and everything inside looks great.
Dave

[Ray36048]

Re: TCP Question

I have used it for years in my Piper Cherokee 180, never had a problem with the valves and the spark plugs stayed clean.

But, I have not been able to buy it in the last 2 or more years. I am down to my last 1/2 bottle. Everyone who carried it says it is no longer available.


UPDATE... just checked Aircraft Spruce web page, looks like they now have it in stock.

[flyguy]

Re: TCP Question

We have just pulled one jug because of oil and a valve leaking. The top of the piston was covered with a THICK coat of lead oxide with some carbon. What I am wondering whether anyone has noticed if the TCP actually reduces existing deposits as well as preventing additional ones.

I suppose the best way is to use it for a while and check the piston tops regularly. Here's hopin'.

Woopee, I checked Aircraft Spruce and they do indicate they are stocking it again. Ray, thanks for that tip. I had heard the mfgr had said they were not going to be supplying it again until at least 2010 or later.

Darryl

[d.grimm]

Re: TCP Question

Darryl,
After one year the inside of the cylinders and the top of the pistons were much cleaner. Also according to Continental Service Bulletin SB03-3 we are supposed to be borescoping our cylinders every time we do a compression test. Check Skygeek.com, their shipping price was much lower.
Dave

[flyguy]

Re: TCP Question

Thanks for that information Dave. I think I will have a better deal on the shipping since Aircraft Spruce is pretty close to me.
Darryl

[NY86]

Re: TCP Question

Lead deposits typically build up to a particluar thickness, then flake off and pass out the exhaust, so, in the absense of any other outside influence, should maintain a "steady state".

[KewFlyer]

Re: TCP Question

Question:
can TCP and MMO be used simultaneously? Or should they be used independently and/or in an alternating manner?
Thanks
Ralph

[RichardBoyer]

Re: TCP Question

I do know that you can use TCP and IP at the same time!

sorry, been waiting to type that one for a while now........

[gfortin]

Re: TCP Question

I just say Alcor TCP Fuel Treatment in the Wag Aero catalog. ($41.00 /qt. cat#M-596-100

[KewFlyer]

Re: TCP Question

Check 'skygeek.com". I believe they are less expensive.

[flyguy]

Re: TCP Question

I think AC Spruce is also.

The stock C-85 piston's top land has so much clearance that the lead adheres to it and gouges the heck out of the upper side of the piston. A deposit had built up so large at the side of the intake seat that it got under the edge of the valve. Of course what loose stuff that doesn't go out the exhaust, goes in the lower plugs.

After seeing the condition of my piston and cylinder, due to the lead, you can believe that I am going to do EVERYTHING possible to keep that stuff out of the engine in the future.

In addition to using TCP, and since I live in CA where we have inebriated mo-gas, you may well imagine I will be doing a lot of fuel system checks as days and hours of operation go by.
DC

[Ray36048]

Re: TCP Question

The big problem with TCP is the haz mat shipping charges. You pay $15 to $20 to have it shipped to you.

[d.grimm]

Re: TCP Question

SkyGeeks shipping was quite a bit lower last time I bought.
Dave

[jpowell]

Re: TCP Question

One way to avoid the shipping is to pick your order up from the vendor at Oshkosh or Sun N Fun. I have done that in the past. What I do now is use Decalin TCP Plus from Decalin Chemical. It has the same TCP as the Alcor brand but it uses mineral oil for the medium instead or Tolulene. Therefore no hasmat surcharge. It isn't FAA tso/pma approved but works great in my homebuilt and my continental A-65. 1 half ounce per 10 gallons of 100LL. Six years now and no lead deposits on lower plugs yet.