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Old 07-03-2009, 12:48 PM
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Matt G. Matt G. is offline
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Well, I don't know about the marine industry, but as a pilot, I can tell you that nearly any changes to an aircraft or engine from when it left the factory have to be FAA-approved. So every new type of seal, gasket, etc. would have to be vigorously tested, and all of that costs money. When most of today's general aviation fleet was designed in the '50s and '60s, there was no ethanol in gas, period. It's not cost-effective to make changes like this in the system...they've been trying to find an unleaded replacement for 100LL for like 20 years now. Turbocharged, high-performance, and antique radial engines all need the lead. Plus, because the gas with ethanol contains less energy, the engine makes less power, and that pretty much screws up all the performance documentation.

I suppose they could replace all the seal and gasket materials, but that won't do anything about the corrosion of other parts in the fuel system, or the most serious problem, the absorption of water that pools in the fuel tanks. That is probably the biggest issue with ethanol being put into avgas. It creates a dangerous situation by absorbing water that sinks to the bottom of the tanks.

BTW, 100LL doesn't have a limited shelf life like autogas does....properly stored, it is supposed to last 50 years or so.
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