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Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State

 
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dforney(at)bctonline.com
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 8:22 pm    Post subject: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

I am new to this list and I apologize up front for my ignorance. I am not familiar with Rotax engines, but I am seriously considering purchasing an SLSA that is equipped with that type of engine.

Recently the lawmakers (at our governor’s bequest) passed a law that is scheduled to go into affect the first of the new year. The law mandates that all fuels sold in the state must contain 10% ethanol. In their infinite wisdom they neglected to put in any provisions or exemptions for aviation fuel or autogas to be used in aviation.

My question is, what affect does an ethanol containing fuel have on the Rotax engine? Will it burn ethanol containing fuel or is 100LL aviation fuel a better (only) choice other than ethanol containing fuel?

Does it impact the warranty or maintenance of the Rotax engine?

Thank you,

Dan


[quote][b]


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Thom Riddle



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1597
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA (9G0)

PostPosted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:47 am    Post subject: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

Dan,

The 912 series Rotax engines are in many ways far superior to the 50
year old technology Lycoming and Continental engines you are probably
used to. But they are different and require a bit of learning
regarding starting technique and operating methods. Once you get used
to the differences you will probably like it better.

Are you located in Michigan?

The EAA has launched a major campaign to stop the Michigan law as it
is now proposed with expectation that it will be stopped. The EAA has
proposed that the law exempt high octane auto fuel so that aircraft
designed to run on auto fuel (Rotax engines for example) or those GA
aircraft that have auto fuel STCs which strictly prohibit ethanol can
continue to run auto fuel instead of 100LL.

According to the Rotax manuals, up to 5% ethanol in the fuel is no
problem. They do not say explicitly anywhere that I've seen that 10%
is okay or that it is not okay. Bing, the manufacturer of the
carburetors used on Rotax engines, sells a retrofit kit with seals
etc. that are compatible with ethanol laced fuels.

In the worst case scenario, i.e., the law passes as proposed, you can
use 100LL in the Rotax engines all the time if you wish. However, the
oil and filter change interval recommendations are reduced somewhat. I
know of many Rotax powered aircraft that run only 100LL because it is
more convenient than carrying auto fuel to the hangar in 5 gallon
containers. Another option which should reduce your fuel costs as well
as limit the ethanol content to 5% is to mix auto fuel 50/50 with
100LL. This will also reduce the lead content compared to straight
100LL. Bottom line, I would not let the propsed legislation keep you
from buying an aircraft with the great 912 series Rotax engines.

Thom in Buffalo
FAA Powerplant Mechanic
Allegro 2000 w/ Rotax 912UL
Kolb Firestar w/ Rotax 447


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Roger Lee



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1464
Location: Tucson, Az.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:11 pm    Post subject: Re: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

Oregon is trying to do the same thing. EAA is fighting it trying to make 91 octane exempt I don't know the status on the matter at this time..

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rampil



Joined: 04 May 2007
Posts: 870

PostPosted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:54 am    Post subject: Re: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

The safety of alcohol based fuel is actually several independent issues

1) Fuel system: obsolete aircraft like cessnas and pipers use gaskets in various places in the fuel system which dissolve in ethanol. Recently
designed LSAs should not have this problem. The problem is worst with either cork or natural rubber based gaskets

2) Energy density: alcohol has less energy per liter than gasoline

3) Vapor pressure: alcohol has higher vapor pressure and may cause
a vapor lock at high temps or high altitudes

others issues also. None the less, most people can use E10 most of the time with no problem. Rotax tested 5% exstensively, but has not tested
10% therefore no reccommendation

Ira


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goodings(at)yorku.ca
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:44 am    Post subject: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

In Canada, most oil companies sell 87, 89 and 91 octane autogas. For
PetroCanada and Shell, I know for a fact that methanol is added to 87,
none to 91, and 89 is mixed at the pump 50:50, and has half the methanol.
It is cheaper for the oil companies to add it to one grade, and not both;
thus, they like it! The gas stations only need two storage tanks. I
believe Esso does the same thing, but am only certain about PetroCan and
Shell. Rotax 912S engines (100HP) require 91 octane. Older Rotax 912
engines (80 HP) can use 87 octane, but run perfectly well on 91 octane.
There is one flying school that has more than 87,000 hours on Katanas
equipped with 80 HP R912 engines; they have always used 91 octane auto gas
exclusively.

John Goodings, C-FGPJ, CH601HD with R912S, Carp/Ottawa, Toronto/Waterloo.


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dforney(at)bctonline.com
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:59 pm    Post subject: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

Roger,

Thanks for your response. That is where I live. A few of my local EAA chapter members went to the hearings held this week in Salem. They report that it appear that the legislation will go into affect before there is any opportunity to correct or repeal it. I believe that it is to go into affect the first part of the year. I guess we will see.
[quote][b]


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Roger Lee



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1464
Location: Tucson, Az.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:17 pm    Post subject: Re: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

Hi Dan,

Personally I would run 10% ethanol before I would burn 100LL. I did burn 10% ethanol for 2 years without any issues and have talked to countless others who have been using it for many years. Attending the Rotax classes convinced me to run the 10% ethanol over 100LL.
It's definitely a personal choice to do so. In Tucson we have 10% ethanol from Oct. to either April or May. I am lucky enough to have a gas station just down the road from the airport that is considered agricultural and they use straight 91 Oct.


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Thom Riddle



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1597
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA (9G0)

PostPosted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 5:03 am    Post subject: Ethanol Mandate for All Fuel in State Reply with quote

John,

Thanks for the explanation of what they are doing in Canada.
Interesting and smart way of handling it. One question though. Are you
certain the alcohol used is METHANOL instead of ETHANOL? Not the same
thing, you know.

Thom in Buffalo


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