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I successfully used unleaded auto fuel for many years....from the first
time EAA got approval until I had to let the airplane sit many weeks between
flights.
Then I had a problem develop.
As you probably know Jet fuel has an algae additive to kill algae
contamination...as agae likes to eat and reproduce in jet fuel (also disel
fuels, I think).
I was using a first grade unleaded fuel to refuel instead of 100ll.
Once, when I filled my container, it had a jet fuel smell....I thought well, no
problem...... BUT WAS I WRONG.!!
Gasoline is transferrred from the refineries by pipeline, one grade
of fuel, proceeded by another grade, etc. The interface is removed out of
the supply line at the recieving station and re-refined by local units... to
keep the slugs of different fuels pure....
Evidently I got a slug of contaminated fuel..
In just a few weeks, I began to get a green water mix when I drained the
sumps, and realized I must have an algae contamination... I sent a sample to the
manufacturer (Amoco) for testing.
They advised, yes it looks like aglae, but we do not recommend our fuel to
used in Aircraft,...sorry....
I later realized that LEAD additive in fuels must kill algae; and also that
now the fuel industry adds algicide at the refinery in jet fuels....as opposed
to several years ago when the algacide was added at the refueling station.
I drained all my tanks, added algicide additives, redrained, etc...and
finally got no more Green Stuff when draining the sumps...BUT, later to
find there was considerable Black goo still in the tanks..( dead Algae ?)...and
required removal and cleaning of all tanks...
Now , even tho I am aware that auto gas is approved ( and I successfully
used it for over 10 years or so), I now only use 100 ll.
Yes, I wish 80 Octane was now available...AND PERHAPS A MIXTURE OF 100LL
AND AUTO FUEL MIGHT BE THE ANSWER...but, IT IS A DRAG TO HAVE TO LUG IN AUTO
FUEL AND MIX WITH 100 ll FROM THE FBO.
73 Octane was probably an unleaded fuel, but I am not sure. I do
remember being able to purchase "white Gas" at the local ESSO station in the
early 1940s....this was probably the fuel with which the C-65/75/85
engines were certified.
I understand that Lead was first used in the late 30's as we prepared
for war with higher HP engines that needed the anti -Knock additive of Tetra
Ethyl Lead/ developed by the Ethyl Corporation.
REgards,
Harry Francis
Elliston, VA
N-93530
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