Piston Heli Fuel
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Senis Semper Fidelis
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,288
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From: Lancashire U K
Piston Heli Fuel
God morning Rotorheads,
Gin clear day here in the Northern part of the UK , I should be flying. But a small question, 100LL is supposed to be no longer available after it is rumoured 2002(according to other thread on Private flying) FW people are suggestiing that other fuel is available to be a replacement, do any of you know what this fuel is, will it be safe and available to the whole range of piston flyers incl helis?
Gin clear day here in the Northern part of the UK , I should be flying. But a small question, 100LL is supposed to be no longer available after it is rumoured 2002(according to other thread on Private flying) FW people are suggestiing that other fuel is available to be a replacement, do any of you know what this fuel is, will it be safe and available to the whole range of piston flyers incl helis?
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Faulconbridge, New South Wales, Oz
Lead free 100 RON fuel won't be hard to make.
Mobil's 8000 premium unleaded product is already within a bee's whatsit at a claimed 98 RON. That's done without even using the different chemistry of AVGAS.
As for valve lubrication and valve seat recession- aviation engines already have inserts for seats. Not hard for valves and seats to be made compatible with lead free fuel.
In the meantime phosphorus based lubrication could be used, as with lead replacement petrol (today's lead free super).
In short making it work won't be a problem, but expect possible reduced TBOs for a few years. On the other hand say goodbye to lead fouled plugs.
Engines requiring 130 RON fuel (green stuff) such as turbocharged models will probably have to carry on using lead however.
Mobil's 8000 premium unleaded product is already within a bee's whatsit at a claimed 98 RON. That's done without even using the different chemistry of AVGAS.
As for valve lubrication and valve seat recession- aviation engines already have inserts for seats. Not hard for valves and seats to be made compatible with lead free fuel.
In the meantime phosphorus based lubrication could be used, as with lead replacement petrol (today's lead free super).
In short making it work won't be a problem, but expect possible reduced TBOs for a few years. On the other hand say goodbye to lead fouled plugs.
Engines requiring 130 RON fuel (green stuff) such as turbocharged models will probably have to carry on using lead however.
