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1. 06:36 AM - Auto fuel in the Lightning. (Nick Otterback)
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| Subject: | Auto fuel in the Lightning. |
Once again the question of autofuel has come up. Arion Aircraft strongly
recommends only the use of Aircraft fuel or 100ll in its tanks.
The factory produced SLSA are prohibited from using other than 100ll by the
POH. We encourage EAB owners to follow suit.
The question is not the jabiru engines capability to handle auto, it is the
sealing material in the tanks. Arion Aircraft is not the only manufacturer
to warn against this, others warn as well , and they use a completely
different sealing material than we do.
Although ethanol or "alcohol" presents certain problems like soaking up
moisture the real concern is not that. Other solvents and octane boosters
are added to auto fuels that are not added to 100ll. These additive's can
break down sealers and if they leak cause severe damage to the underlying
structure. Some foam cores are not resistant to the additives and can soften
or dissolve leaving a hollow looking or damaged area of skin.
Both sealants used in the lightning; Kreem from 2006-2008 and KBS coatings
2008-presant, are both alcohol resistant up to in both cases 20% listed by
the manufacturer of the coating. However in neither case do they say what
additives the sealants are resistant to. This is the real problem.
We have seen damaged tanks and wings with the use of un reliable auto fuel
sources. In most cases the owner was sure to use Alcohol free fuel, this
just goes to prove the case, it may not be the alcohol causing the problem
but all the other junk in it.
I like to share a short story of a motorcycle I had. I am very careful to
winterize my bikes every year. One spring I pulled out my Yamaha V-star to
get it ready. The engine this time would just not start, having owned the
bike and made this routine several years in a row, I had no other choice but
to go to the dealership. After a day in the shop they called. They plastic
fuel pump impellor had completely disintegrated and went down stream
clogging up the carbs. I ask them why, and the response was that the fuel
these days for cars is just crap and you never know what will be in it, this
was becoming a common occurrence more and more. The pump was replaced with
a new metal gear part, and new fuel line were installed as the rubber lines
had started to harden.
Now with all this in mind. Arion Aircraft has contracted for the design of
Aluminum tanks for Autofuel use in the aircraft. The first set should be
installed in the next few weeks. These tanks will then be an option to new
customers only as the tanks are integrated. They will be an option and not
standard due to the increased cost. The standard glass tanks are perfectly
suited to 100ll and will continue to be produced.
thanks
Nick Otterback
Arion Aircraft LLC
R&D Technical Support
931-680-1781
nick@flylightning.net
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