Fuel octane

[MRR4608]

Hello, I've got a question about the octane of the fuel you guys run. I had purchased the plane 1950 Champ 7EC a little over a year ago and was advised by the seller who was an A&P to run 100 LlL which is all that's available at our airport. The plane is in for a annual and my A&P after looking at my spark plugs recommended a lower octane as when these planes were built 100LL wasn't even available, engine is Cont. 90-12 , I've seen this discussion on forums previously but can't seem to find it now. Just wanting y'all's input and suggestions. Thanks in advance

[Paul Agaliotis]

I used to use 100LL because it was the only fuel available. I don't use Mogas at all. With the new Swift fuel available, the 94UL, I can recommend it. I haven't seen any ill effects from it's use, plugs look good and very little, if any lead build-up.

The GAMI fuel has an STC for it's use, but no distribution network available. The alphabet groups should be helping to get this fuel out for the aircraft needing 100 octane, but haven't stepped up. There isn't any money in it for them so they don't really care.

Paul

[Richard Murray]

I have a source for 94UL and although a $1 a gallon more or less more than 100 LL use it exclusively. Before I sourced the 94UL I was burning 100LL and adding Alcor (TCP) with every fillup. The plugs look immaculate and not trace of lead buildup. I highly recommend you source 94uL or add TCP to your 100 LL. The cost will nearly be the same.

[MRR4608]

Thanks again to you Aeronca veterans!

[rkittine]

Us older guys remember when there was plenty of 80 Octane AvGas around.

[MRR4608]

When in high school and working at a Mobil station lots of customers would come in want $1.00's worth of gas which would be between 3&4 gallons but those days have gone away many moons ago, I aint no spring chicken myself.

[rkittine]

In 1972, I used to fill up an empty tank in my MG Midget for under $3.00 and the 1973 and the shortage hit us. $.75 per gallon! But then I look at how much I was earning in 1973. Gas now, adjusted for inflation is actually below where it should be. Unfortunately it is much higher than in recent times.

[MRR4608]

Thanks Richard, the 94 ul isn't available so got the Alcor TCP delivered today.

[Richard Murray]

I keep a can of alcor around in case I have to go back to 100LL

[rkittine]

Out here on Long Island we are still waiting for someone to start offering Unleaded Av Gas.

[Richard Murray]

Bob there are probably not enough small planes out on Long Island to make it profitable to purchase, store, and sell UL94. When you get much above 125hp the engines really like the 100 octane. The grass and hard surface runways at New Carlisle host everything from a Baron to Pietenpols and the 172's or bigger live on 100LL while the other half of the fleet consume 94UL at nearly $1 more a gallon.