Return-Path: Received: from sphmgaab.compuserve.com ([149.174.177.151]) by ns1.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-64832U3500L350S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Sat, 4 Nov 2000 17:28:41 -0500 Received: (from mailgate@localhost) by sphmgaab.compuserve.com (8.9.3/8.9.3/SUN-1.9) id RAA06699 for lancair.list@olsusa.com; Sat, 4 Nov 2000 17:36:13 -0500 (EST) Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 17:35:58 -0500 From: James Frantz Subject: Oxygenated fuels Sender: James Frantz To: "INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com" Message-ID: <200011041736_MC2-B9AE-FA59@compuserve.com> X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> One of my good buddies flies north of the artic circle frequently where another friend has a cabin. He flies a Super Cub and uses auto gas. He also thought it a good idea to occasionally add an alcohol based agent that combines with water preventing a buildup of water in his fuel tanks. Several years ago upon returning from the cabin in -25F weather the engine quit and he landed on skis in a snowy field about 80 miles from any civilization. Fortunately, he was flying with a C-185 who also landed to assist. They found about 1/2" of hoar frost attached to the upper inside of the fuel tanks. Investigating further, they found the fuel filter was full of ice crystals. Keep in mind that the OAT is -25F. They heated the fuel lines and filter and drained the fuel tanks of all fuel. They refueled the Cub from the other aircraft and both took off. Two engine stoppages and forced landings later, the Cub made it back to Minnesota. The problem leading to this incident is based upon the fact that alcohol will combine and hold more water at high temperatures that at cold temperatures. This is something to keep in mind when you take off in nice temperatures and climb to those freezing temperatures with oxygenated auto fuels and or alcohol based additives. Jim Frantz >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>