MOGAS vs. 100LL and Availability

[AviatorMav]

I know this conversation has been had before, but it looks like its been 10+ years since a thread was updated. I am in the process of purchasing a recently completed RV-12is. Concerned about 100LL usage (increased oil change intervals, wear on the engine/gearbox, etc.) Certainly would prefer to use MOGAS but the availability might not make that possible on a consistent basis. Since the airframe has been flying for a decade now would be nice to get the thoughts of you folks who have been operating them.

Thanks!

[NinerBikes]

In the Mogas camp here.

Previous owner did 170 hours on Mogas in SC since 2012.

I've talked to a couple of performance guys that make big bore kit's and cams for Rotax 912ULS and 912 UL's, and to a "T", all of them have said that even with running Decalin, the lead gets under the ring seats, and in the clutch in the gearbox for the prop gets clogged up also with lead. 600 Hours vs 1000 hours for the gear box.

It can be run... but it would be my last choice, Rotax has stated that the 912 is designed from scratch to run on Mogas, not Leaded fuel.

I prefer running full synthetic Mobil 1 4T Racing motorcycle oil 10w-40. It's not really compatible with 100LL, and I prefer the extended oil and filter changes with the Full Synthetic motor oil. So I do what I need to to keep the tank filled up with unleaded Mogas. YMMV, this is what works for me.

[jrtens]

Yes, MOGAS is not widely available at airports so you will probably have to use 100LL on cross country trips. At home though, most people pick up 91 or higher octane fuel at a high volume gas station and refuel the plane themselves. There is a right way and a wrong way to do this though so do some research on it here.

[croner15]

There’s no economic incentive for the fuel industry to ditch lead since it’s such a minuscule portion of their operation. The efforts from Swift and Shell to create an alternative are stalled. It may take a nudge from the EPA, which could come soon if the blue team wins in November.

[AviatorMav]

Jon, can you direct me to the location of this info. New to the Rotax. The RV-12is I will be purchasing was recently finished. Will be nice to start it off on the best path for success which sounds like MOGAS at this point.

[jrtens]

There are quite a few different ways to do it. Here is one thread.

https://vansairforce.com/community/s...t=safe+fueling

I would just emphasize two points. When filling at the gas station, always have the gas can on the ground. When fueling the plane, you should have a grounding wire connecting the plane to the can.

[McStevens]

Off topic question, sorry:

But why... if the nozzle of the pump is metal, and the tank you're filling is metal, and you're presumably making contact between the nozzle and the tank... would you need to have the tank on the ground?

Never understood this even when fueling planes either. Seems to me like a separate ground wire is redundant if you're making contact between the pump (which will itself be grounded) and the airframe. Is it maybe to prevent a spark on first contact? That's the only thing I can think of.

[seagull]

Originally Posted by McStevens

Off topic question, sorry:

But why... if the nozzle of the pump is metal, and the tank you're filling is metal, and you're presumably making contact between the nozzle and the tank... would you need to have the tank on the ground?

Never understood this even when fueling planes either. Seems to me like a separate ground wire is redundant if you're making contact between the pump (which will itself be grounded) and the airframe. Is it maybe to prevent a spark on first contact? That's the only thing I can think of.

IF your hose has a bond wire in it, and, IF you keep the fill nozzle in constant contact with the tank neck. you may be ok. What happens when high volumes of fuel flow through a rubber hose is static electricity is created, it has to discharge and jumping to the plane at the filler neck can ignite the vapor that is in that area. In reality the fuel transfer rate we have is so slow the chance of building enough charge is slim. BUT it never hurts to error on the safe side.

[AviatorMav]

Any issues with type of cans? (i.e. red plastic vs. metal) Also, any concerns about contaminates being introduced in the process of transferring MOGAS from the station to the container and eventually airplane?

[Piper J3]

Metal is OK but it tends to rust - not good. Gas stations do a lousy job of filter replacement on pumps. You should filter prior to filling the airplane.

Suggest you invest in a good fuel system. See...https://vansairforce.com/community/s...5&postcount=15