Consider Risks involved in Using Auto Gas in Your Airplane
Chapter member Greg Cardinal writes, “Auto gas is about $1.00 per gallon cheaper than 100LL, making it an attractive alternative for fueling aircraft. However, additives in auto fuel — frequently ethanol — can rapidly deteriorate carburetor gaskets and O rings, plastic fuel guages, and sealants used in fuel tanks. The result can be damage, and more importantly, these fuels can cause flight safety risks. Chris Bobka did some research and found a list of providers in the Twin Cities area where non-oxygenated can be found. The list is courtesy of the Minnesota Street Road Assn, at this website: http://www.msra.com/NonOxygenatedFuel/Non-OxyFuel.htm”
EAA also now has available an alcohol test kit for $15.00 so you can test fuel yourself. Go to http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/060629_testkit.html for details.