I've switched to the "dark side".....auto gas

Ron Lee · #1 12-07-2008, 06:39 PM

My hangar buddy just found 91 octane, ethanol free, auto gas for under $2 USD. After discussion with several people about the implications, concerns, and possible negative aspects I added seven gallons of the cheap auto gas to 8 gallons of 100 LL. The 100LL was from Longmont (KLMO) at $2.86 a gallon which is good compared to $4.39 at my airport.

So one tank will carry this hybrid fuel mix for cruise as I evaluate it. Because I usually cruise at 65% or so (maybe a bit less), I am not concerned about problems.

This mix is less than 50% of the cost of 100LL just a few months ago. Cost is not the real driver since I had just drastically cut flying hours in response to high fuel prices.

zav6a · #2 12-07-2008, 06:52 PM

Ron

Can you disclose where you found ethanol-free gasoline in Colorado? I am at Cenntenial and would like to use it again.

Ron Lee · #3 12-07-2008, 07:18 PM

Chief Petroleum on 10th street just west of I-25 in Colo Spgs

Radomir · #4 12-07-2008, 07:34 PM

Well.. same here.. cheapest avgas around here is $3.50 and Premium (93) ethanol-free car gas is $1.84 so it's almost 2 for 1 deal... I also do a mix in one tank...

zav6a · #5 12-07-2008, 07:44 PM

Thanks Ron.

rocketbob · #6 12-07-2008, 09:34 PM

I have 700+ hours in my RV running 87 octane, don't listen to the naysayers.

N1593Y · #7 12-07-2008, 11:30 PM

Hope you Colorado pilots will help us pass state legislation to prohibit the blending of ethanol in all premium unleaded so you don't have to worry about getting it in the future. Please join your fellow pilots in the Pacific Northwest to pass this important legislation, or better yet try to get FBO's to add mogas service on airports as they can always order ethanol free gasoline. See http://www.e0pc.com

videobobk · #8 12-08-2008, 06:22 AM

My 160 hp O-320 never saw a drop of 100-LL in its first 885 hours of life. Now I can't find anything without ethanol or I would be using it still. Seems like good stuff to me.

Bob Kelly

TSwezey · #9 12-08-2008, 06:46 AM

The dark side is great and it is even better if you plane can handle ethanol!

Ron Lee · #10 12-08-2008, 08:06 AM

Todd, ethanol remains a serious concern to me. First off I am anti-ethanol for many reasons. But aircraft use is still is no-no. Perhaps I am uninformed. Even the auto gas use is being done cautiously with proper regard for situations where it may not be good in my plane.

I just realized we have one source of auto gas on the airport. I need to see what grade and if ethanol free. If so, then it solves the logistics problems of filling and hauling multiple 5 gallon gas cans.