In one of my recent columns I stated that if an engine runs knock free on an 87 octane fuel, using a higher octane fuel will not benefit you in any way. I received several inquiries about whether this was for automobiles or airplanes. Basically it applies to both. In your automobile, if the owner’s […]
Flawed logic
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. I recently received a question from reader Bill Blank asking whether there was more BTUs in higher octane fuels and if there was any reason to use a higher octane fuel if a vehicle ran knock free on a […]
Good science
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. In one of my past columns, I criticized the ethanol industry and others for using “bad science” to promote their products. I received several emails from readers who felt that I was off base because, they said, the Wright […]
How long can fuel be safely stored?
The octane or anti-knock rating of a fuel is one of the most critical — if not the most critical — property of an aviation gasoline. If the octane quality of a fuel does not meet the requirements of an engine, it can lead to a total engine failure.
Testing for ethanol
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. He has been a private pilot since 1985. How do you test for ethanol in auto gas? Recently, I’ve received a lot of e-mails from people who want to know exactly how much the water phase volume will change […]
The fuel of the future: Is it already here?
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. He has been a private pilot since 1985. I recently received a note from reader Scott Shroyer, who is looking to buy a used Cessna 182 with an auto gas STC. He wants to know if it is worth […]
How long can Jet A be stored?
The main concern with Jet A is the water phase. In all large storage tanks, water is present or will form due to condensation.
How long can fuel be safely stored?
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. He has been a private pilot since 1985. Asking about the storage life of 100LL and auto gas is like asking a doctor, “How old will I live to be?” For example, a person’s life expectancy is affected by […]
Ethanol: A very real danger
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. In a recent post I discussed the problems with ethanol and water in a plane’s fuel system. I received a large number of replies and most were very positive. However, I did get a number of negative notes. For […]