car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

[bashibazouk]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Great that you've got sources for alcohol-free gas. I feel lucky that I've found some in my neighborhood, but I'm always reluctant to accept the advertising at face value. Here's a link to Petersen's test setup:

http://www.autofuelstc.com/autofuelstc/pa/ethanoltest.html

Simple and cheap to perform. Get the pump turned on long enough to take a sample and check it. If the level doesn't increase- pump away. If it does, pay for your $1 worth of gas, say thanks, and leave. Wait for their next batch.

This is why we do our own preflights, guys. It's not that we don't trust our friends, it's just that it's our butts in the seats.

Josh

[Bird]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Hank, Did you try anything on that lawnmower yet?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

So far all I have been doing for a couple of weeks now is using the lead free, alcohol free auto fuel from the airport in it and the performance change has been unreal! Remember, it is ILLEGAL to use fuel with no road tax in your car! Since my mower and leaf blower aren't run on public streets I figured using the fuel in them would be OK. The REAL difference has been in the leaf blower. I used to have to start it and let it idle for a few minutes to get it fully warmed up or it would stall when you opened the throttle. Not any more! It starts IMMEDIATELY and runs strong. YES, I DO let it warm up, but it doesn't stall several times before i can use it any more. On the mower it now starts first pull and runs stronger in deep grass (that's a GOOD thing, more time at the airport means the grass gets deeper before I cut it).
I think getting the lead out is a good thing, but i think the REALLY big improvement is getting rid of the alcohol! It not only STINKS, it has less power per pound and the engines don't run well on it. I wish I could find it for the cars. There was such an improvement with getting the alcohol out I haven't tried any of the additives yet. I don't want to mess with a good thing.
Hank

Corn is for FOOD, not fuel!!!! Eat it, don't burn it! Maybe we will go down to the farmers market and get a few ears of fresh sweet corn for dinner tonight. Sounds good!

[flyguy]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Hank,
What is the difference in price between the car gas at the airport and the gas from a gas station, that is what part of the price is road tax in your state? Just curious.
Darryl

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

I need to look at the receipts but it seems like it's more than the local discount stations but less than the name brands. That doesn't take into account that there is supposed to be something like 10% LESS energy in a gallon of gasahol than straight gas, so the straight gas is actually CHEAPER! Tax on gasoline in Virginia is HIGH, (in MY opinion 17 or 18 cents is high, especially when the legislature puts it in the general fund instead of as a set aside for road construction and maintenance).
Hank

[Ron Coleman]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

I'm with Hank. Twenty flying hours ago I finished a major on the engine and have run 100 octane Av. gas with the result of fouled plugs rough running and gradual increase in operating temperatures. Generally the overhaul has been great. Great power, smooth running, easy starting, and a healthy rumbling exhaust sound....but gradually degrading. Now I have to clean the crud out of the plugs and maybe the rings and top end. I never had these crud problems with auto fuel. The leaded fuel turns the oil black fast, auto fuel did not....now the point of all this. I have blathered on about some, now banned stuff, named something like butyl carberol..gone for a lot of years. Well while I was at Camp Perry during the small bore competitions I bought some Shooter's choice bore cleaner. It contains something "known by the state of California etc., etc.," called Butyl cellosolve solvents. It removes lead, copper, powder and plastic from gun barrels. Imagine what good it would do for cylinders and valves, and what harm it would do for bushling and bearing surfaces. I remember that this is the stuff we poured down the carbs of our Hupmobiles, Terraplanes, Stars, Hudsons etc.

Also, for Ohio pilots..Ottawa Oil in Ottawa, Ohio has 87 octane Eth. free gasoline. They deliver in their area for people who have operating brains. I have been trying to get the local airports the carry the gas or at least some other business. They will deliver 1000 gal. in a one stop delivery outside of their area. It may be possible to pick up the gas if you transport it in a certified tank ( other conditions may apply ) keep tuned for further developments.
RonC

[Rick Hadley]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Bring your credit card and come to VTI. All the 87 octane straight MOGAS your lawnmower can burn available 24-7. My STC'ed Chief loves it, as does my 8N Ford tractor. Actually, 87-unleaded is available at nearly every Iowa gas station, but not at all airports. We're one of the good exceptions!

[NY86]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Actually, 87-unleaded is available at nearly every Iowa gas station, but not at all airports.

Sheesh! Isn't that where all the corn comes from?

[3Dreaming]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

The farmers don't want to burn in thier stuff because it messes it up.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Lot of good corn in Nebraska and Kansas too!
Hank

You know you don't HAVE to eat the corn. Makes for some really nice drinking to, and the used mash is still good for animal feed!

[Rick Hadley]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Sheesh! Isn't that where all the corn comes from?

Along with other good things:

http://www.templetonrye.com/

[Bird]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

And now the price of corn has hit an all time high.

[flybikefarm]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Not an all time high. Was over seven dollars two years ago. Still should be that high. With input costs where they are and the cost of replacement parts and new machinery it is time the farmers make a profit. Don't cry to the farmer with your mouth full!!!!!!!! George

[flyguy]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Just heard this morning that the good 'ole gov. is running tests to see if cars will tolerate 15 percent ethanol. Already finished the tests on late models. Starting on the "older" ones now. Limit was 10 percent up 'til now.

One of the comments on the program: "alcohol burns hotter."

Considering all the water in the alcohol molecule, that doesn't sound quite right.

Anyway, here we go again. Corn eating countries, take that.

DC

[Ron Coleman]

Re: car gas, ethanol, lead, ect.

Now for the bad news...I have found that tank gas, that has not had the ethanol added, is shy of a needed agent to promote "clean" burning. I notice that I get a lot of smoke and soot on my landing gear even though I am running on the lean side. ?????

I just bought 100 gal of this stuff. I'm going to try to blend it with 100 LL to see if it will reduce the soot. The oil temperature goes up while I am running 100 LL so I'll find out if blending the 87 oct. with it will lower the oil temperature.

RonC