Re: [COUPERS-FLYIN] California Auto fuel in Ercoupes...?

[Dan Hall]

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Hi Ed,

The gas pumps at the service stations here in CA say 'ethanol', and that is my understanding of what is in the fuel.   Contrary to the quote, I personally doubt that methanol is in the auto fuel fuel.  

 

I've heard from several CA Ercoupers that the CA auto fuel is NOT a recommended for use in Ercoupe fuel systems, although some will use auto fuel from NV or AZ.  

 

I'll stay with Av Gas.   

 

Has anyone heard when or if we'll ever see the 82 octane Av Gas ????

 

Best regards,
Dan Hall

N3968H 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Ed Burkhead

To: 'Dan Hall' ; Cflyin

Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 4:10 AM

Subject: RE: [COUPERS-FLYIN] California Auto fuel in Ercoupes...?

 

Dan,

 

Your message quotes someone who says California fuels include “methanol.”  Can you confirm that?  Methanol is a lot more corrosive, isn’t it?  I’ve never heard of it being used as a fuel additive in auto fuel in the U.S. I don’t think.

 

Ethanol is the alcohol that’s normally used in auto fuel in the U.S.

 

I’d not use alcohol containing fuel in a Coupe without determining it’s safe – that that’d be a fairly high hurdle.

 

First, you’d have to confirm that there’s no sloshing compound.  Simple auto fuel can attack aviation sloshing compounds.  (I’ve heard a fuel tank person say that our Coupes are not really allowed to have sloshing compound.  He said the tanks should be sealed without any sloshing compound.  I have no personal knowledge of the legality.)

 

Next, you’d have to check all the non-metallic portions of the fuel system from the fuel lines to the varnish on the cork fuel gauges to the diaphragm in the fuel pump for alcohol compatibility.

 

You can easily test for alcohol and, if you search, maybe you’ll be able to find some sources of non-alcohol.  If it’s really not available, I’d stay with the “high-priced spread” for the foreseeable future.

 

(Note:  a technical discussion like this is appropriate for the TECH group but let’s not move it now.)

 

Ed Burkhead

http://edburkhead.com

ed -at- edburkhead???.com          (change -at- to @ and remove "???")

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