Robin Ream wrote:
 Hi Paul,
     The EAA Hotline mentioned that California is going to go all
 ethanol blend on ARCO Fuels
 soon.  Oddly enough, I don't recall ever hearing whether there are
 any pros & cons about ethanol
 and our rotaries.  -  What's the scoop?
 Thanks,
 Robin

I think there are some issues with fuel tanks and plumbing.
As I recall it is not recommended for composite fuel tanks.
Despite being several cents cheaper per gallon (probably due
to a CA state tax break) it does not dominate sales in CA.
Paul Lamar

I think the main problem with alcohol in gasoline is how to keep it
from adsorbing water from the air Think water in the fueling system).

Alfonso Lebron-Berges

"Michael D. Lilja" wrote:

I'm not sure water in the fuel is as much of a problem as people think.  If it is absorbed in the
alcohol it will pass through the system and be used just like an ADI (anti-detonation system) with
the Reno Racers or when we Minnesotans add HEAT  (alcohol product to absorb moisture) to our gas
tanks to prevent gas line freeze.  Also, there is an aviation fuel called AGE85 (Aviation Grade
Ethonal) which is 85% ethonal being used with little or no problems.  Water injection has been
used over the years in various aircraft engines.  Paul is correct about the fuel system
incompatability issue.  Hoses, o-rings and bladders may have to be changed to stand up to the
alcohol.

Mike Lilja

 
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