Anybody using E-10 auto fuel w/ good results ??

[beechcraftted]

As most of us flying lower horsepower Lycoming or Continentals are aware, using mogas w/ ethanol is forbidden by STC. However, my hangar mates and I (Lycoming O-320 / Piper Cherokee) and (Continental O-300 / C-172) have now logged over 700 hours each using the hated and forbidden E-10 fuel.

We can all report cleaner mag chops, cleaner plugs, no EGT differences, easy starts and no power changes to 12,000 ft.
Fuel consumption has increased very slightly, almost too close to measure.

There have been many who fear dissolving of fuel bladders, stuck carburetor floats, damaged o-rings, vapor lock, etc., etc. However, our experience has been nothing but positive.

Anybody else out there with a positive experience on E-10 ??

 

[crinkles]

I don't know much about aircraft, but man you are taking one big risk, including being held responsible for accidents that occur as a result of E10 use. In my opinion the authorities would have a very good reason for the warning. I just wouldn't take the chance.

 

[BobMac]

Hi Beechcrafted,
I was just looking thru some info from the EAA regarding the use of AUTOGAS in aircraft, check it out.
There is a possibility that you may be getting 91 octane Autogas that doesn't have ethanol mixed into it in Wisconsin. You can buy an ethanol test kit to check the gas. I am an A&P but I have no experience with any aircraft that uses Autogas as all of my piston engine experience has been with high power/compression aircraft engines.
I do know this much that the E10 gas that we get here in CT will start to go bad in my power equipment after 3-4 weeks even with Sta-Bil added. I for sure wouldn't want fuel with that short of a "storage life" in my own aircraft, it is enough of a hassle in my power equipment that aren't used frequently.

 

[MrMeeks]

I have zero experience with E10 and recip. aircraft engines.
However, E10 will turn to a copper color when it has absorbed water and become 'depleted' to the point where it should not be used as fuel.Modern unleaded E10 gasoline probably has near zero lubricating ability.You would thing someone would produce an additive for the E10 gasoline making the E10 100percent safe for aircraft engine.I add 1oz 2stroke oil/5gal. 87 octane for all my engines and they do have increased power.However,they are not aircraft engines!

 

[JT1]

Are you using e10 because it is the only autogas available where you live, or just to prove a point?

Good luck with your experiment!

 

[beechcraftted]

JT1: No, not really trying to prove a point. I live near the metro Milwaukee area. This has been designated by the EPA as a "non-attainment" air quality area, so all fuel here is oxygenated (E-10). I can drive about 30 miles to the county line and get non-oxygenated fuel, but my supplier there tells me that the EPA is pushing to supply E-10 throughout the state. There has been some talk of making "premium" the ethanol free fuel.

MrMeeks: you must have been reading my mind. I am going to begin adding 1 oz. per 5 gals. to offset any possible ethanol side effects, although none have been observed so far.

I have heard from many that oxygenated fuel goes "bad" more quickly, whereas 100LL (aviation fuel) has a VERY long shelf life. However the high lead concentrations are just not needed in these lower horsepower (under 200), lower compression engines. The high lead concentrations causes more problems than it solves. Remember these engines were certified originally for aviation 80 fuel, which has a lot less lead, but has long since been discontinued.

 

[MrMeeks]

The added 2 stroke oil should add lubrication and help the top piston ring live a longer life.I see no unusual looking soot or buildup on the plug electrodes using the 1oz./5gal. I'm using the pennzoil XLF purchased at walmart .It is an outboard oil,but cannot believe it would cause trouble in my aircooled engines at that low concentration.

 

[MrMeeks]

Beechcraftted: Do you use,or have you ever seen aircraft sparkplugs with dual ground electrodes?

 

[JT1]

Originally Posted By: MrMeeks
Beechcraftted: Do you use,or have you ever seen aircraft sparkplugs with dual ground electrodes?


I've never seen av. type sparkplugs WITHOUT dual ground electrodes. That goes for both massive electrode and fine wire.