Ethanol?

[RV8R999]

I'm sure this will be interesting...

I have an Xp-360, carb, FP. Superiors engine manual has a whole section dedicated to the use of auto fuel and fully supports its use as long as it is 93 octane or higher. However, the words, "Use of fuel mixed with Ethanol is Prohibited"

I'm sure someone here is using Ethanol mixed fuel in a Xp engine What have you discovered?

Thx,

Ken

[N941WR]

Ken,

There are a number of threads on the use of Ethanol. Try using the search feature, I'm sure you will find more than one thread.

[RV8R999]

There are a ton of threads covering ethanol but I'm trying to home in on the use with Xp engines specifically from someone who is actually using it. Not really looking for the speculations...

I'll keep searching though.

[Jerry Cochran]

There are a ton of locations all over the US where one can buy no-methanol fuel. Someone posted this very useful site the other day. http://pure-gas.org/
Has the sites listed by state.

It appears that boat owners and others have created quite a demand and the marketplace is responding.

I have an XP-360, and since Superior says no ethanol, I do comply as they just might know what they're talking about...

YMMV

.

[Dmadd]

looks like Tennessee is the place to live if you want to use auto gas...

[RV8R999]

Jerry - I tend to agree with you in regards to Superiors warning about ethanol. I'm curious what is so different about XP engines that makes alcohol a no-no but in a lycoming its ok?

Florida has mandatory use of ethanol with no one local (at least that I know of) selling non ethanol mixed fuel.

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by RV8R999

Jerry - I tend to agree with you in regards to Superiors warning about ethanol. I'm curious what is so different about XP engines that makes alcohol a no-no but in a lycoming its ok?

I'm not sure that Ethanol is approved by Lyco though Ken....I know that I won't use ethanol-containing fuel because we simply don't know what componentsa aren't compatable at this time.

[RV8R999]

I agree I don't think it is approved by Lyco either but we all know many folks have been using it for a long time...I'm not intending to do so either but am curious if those that have had any issues.

I guess the bottom line is - if it isn't approved by the manufacterer why does it APPEAR to work without issues? If it works without issues over the life of the engine, then why isn't it approved?

If someone can tell me they've used ethanol for long period of time in an Xp-360 without any issues I'd then be more interested in seriously investigating the validity of the restriction. Without some real world experience to justify the risk it wouldn't be worth the time to dig any further.

[caryr]

The small engine repair shops around town refer to it as Ethanol Poisoning.

The carbs are the problem. Its not nearly as predictable as gasoline w/o alcohol.

Use Stabil or Sea Foam to add to your small engines fuel tanks.

I think I'll pass on it in my Lycoming carb.

[Andy Hill]

For all practical purposes, an XP and a Lyc are identical AFAIK Furthermore, both in themselves will probably run on auto fuel, with or without some ethanol.

However, looking at the "overall fuel system", there may/will be issues with seals degrading, vapour locks, water absorption. It therefore becomes a more "type" specific issue, and since RVs are tightly cowled i.e. hotter around some of the fuel piping than other types, and no 2 RVs have the same fuel system I would suggest getting correct feedback/advice will be difficult?

Ultimately many may tell you they do run successfully on it - is that good enough to risk you / your aircraft / your family on? All part of the delights of "Experimental".

Over here (UK) it is all clearer, and essentially not permitted for RVs AFAIK (to operate would require a type approval and preusambly test process).

You could always ask you insurance company for their thoughts

Andy