Piper J3
Well Known Member
I thought I'd start a thread on this subject now that<SNIP> 15% alcohol blend <will be required> in auto fuels. <edited per posting rules>
From SERVICE INSTRUCTION SELECTION OF SUITABLE OPERATING FLUIDS FOR ROTAX® ENGINE TYPE 912 AND 914 (SERIES)E10 (Unleaded gasoline blended with 10 % ethanol)... In addition to AVGAS and unleaded automotive fuel (Mogas) the ROTAX® 912/914 series of engines are now approved for use with E10. Fuels that contain more than 10% ethanol blend have not been tested by BRP-Powertrain and are not permitted for use.
I sent an email to Rotax Technical Support telling them the United States will will soon be switching to year-round E15 auto fuels. I will report soonest when I hear back from Rotax. I also sent an email to Lockwood Aviation asking same question.
I also wonder what Van's has to say regarding increased ethanol in the RV-12 fuel system. I believe Van's runs E10 Mogas in the RV-12 demo plane. This will also be a concern with the new RV-12iS.
Aside from compatibility, the increase in ethanol will reduce engine power slightly and also increase fuel consumption slightly as energy content (BTU) for alcohol is less than that of gasoline. On a positive note, added alcohol will increase fuel octane rating.
Other concerns include long-term storage and vapor lock.
Just some thoughts to get the discussion going...
From SERVICE INSTRUCTION SELECTION OF SUITABLE OPERATING FLUIDS FOR ROTAX® ENGINE TYPE 912 AND 914 (SERIES)E10 (Unleaded gasoline blended with 10 % ethanol)... In addition to AVGAS and unleaded automotive fuel (Mogas) the ROTAX® 912/914 series of engines are now approved for use with E10. Fuels that contain more than 10% ethanol blend have not been tested by BRP-Powertrain and are not permitted for use.
I sent an email to Rotax Technical Support telling them the United States will will soon be switching to year-round E15 auto fuels. I will report soonest when I hear back from Rotax. I also sent an email to Lockwood Aviation asking same question.
I also wonder what Van's has to say regarding increased ethanol in the RV-12 fuel system. I believe Van's runs E10 Mogas in the RV-12 demo plane. This will also be a concern with the new RV-12iS.
Aside from compatibility, the increase in ethanol will reduce engine power slightly and also increase fuel consumption slightly as energy content (BTU) for alcohol is less than that of gasoline. On a positive note, added alcohol will increase fuel octane rating.
Other concerns include long-term storage and vapor lock.
Just some thoughts to get the discussion going...
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