----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
> Would our knowledgable A&Ps and IAs please "educate" our owners by compiling > a list of which additives we SHOULD use and when, also which additives we > should NOT use and why? Since this is not an education in mathematics, I'm sure you'll get as many opinions as answers. What follows is the opinion solely of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management. Your mileage may vary. Batteries not included. Not for internal use. With a very few possible exceptions, there is nothing an additive can cure that cannot be better fixed by mechanical means. Marvel mystery oil may help eleviate valve sticking, but properly machined valves using the right materials and parts running with the right fuels will not stick. MMO is mostly a solvent. It lowers the octane rating of the fuel. And MMO is not legal for use in certificated aircraft. TCP is one of the possible exceptions. Low compression engines should be run on lead free or truly low lead fuels. 100LL is not a low lead fuel, at least not compared to 80 avgas. Problem is you're pretty much stuck with either Mogas or 100LL. If you can't or won't use Mogas, then 100LL with TCP is your best bet. TCP helps scavenge the extra lead and is legal to boot. (It has been in short supply lately, but that should be back on the shelves soon.) Another exception is the Lycoming oil additive required for the O-320-H2AD engine. If you have one of these, you must use the additive, by AD. It may or may not keep the engine from self destructing. Again, a mechanical fix would be better, but the mechanical fix involves hoisting up the oil filler cap and parking a different engine under it. The additive is included at no extra charge in Shell 15W-50. There are very few additives that are approved. Avblend is one, but I'm not convinced it has any benefit. By benefit, I don't mean that it can cure cancer in labratory rats or anything, I mean that if you spend the money and follow the directions will you fly faster, use less fuel, go longer between overhauls, or have whiter teeth. Change your oil regularly. Use the right grade of AD oil for your conditions. Use the right fuel for your engine/airframe. Use TCP if you have lead fouling problems. Fly regularly and often. You'll be happier at home if you do. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. John ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/
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