In a previous column, CYA, the FAA and the new unleaded avgas, I discussed the problems the FAA may have with the new proposed unleaded 100 octane avgas. In addition to the lower octane characteristics of the avgas, one of the big concerns is exhaust valve recession. I received a number of responses to the […]
Visser's Voice
What is the best oil temperature for my engine?
Running at 245° may be OK during break-in or during climb out, but I do not recommend running continuously at cruise condition at this temperature after your engine is broken-in.
CYA, the FAA and the new unleaded avgas
Many years ago, I received some great advice from several friends at Continental Motors. They told me that the way to deal with the FAA was as follows: First, find the right person to deal with. You need to find someone who has dealt with similar types of approvals. Do your homework and do not […]
The trick to blending fuels
After a review of the notes I received last year, the number 1 area of interest again was octane and engine knock. The latest question was about blending octane number. For example, if you blend a 100/130 (commonly referred to as 100LL) fuel with a 90 octane mogas, will a 50/50 mix give you a […]
Why is lead needed during engine break-in?
In a past column I gave some background on what happens during break-in of a new or overhauled aircraft engine. Since then I have received numerous questions about why leaded fuel is needed during break-in. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who has a perfect answer for this. My opinion is based on lab tests […]
All plastics are not created equal
In a recent email, a pilot related a problem he had with his aircraft: He needed to drain the fuel tanks so that he could repair the wing. He drained the 100LL out of the tanks into two plastic drums. The fuel sat in his hangar for several weeks and then outside in the sun […]
Tips to break-in your new engine
In my last column, Breaking in a new engine in the Aug. 24 issue, I discussed the mechanics of breaking in an engine. In this column I will discuss some of the steps every pilot should take during break-in. The first decision is what oil to use for break-in. Here, again, you need to refer to […]
Buying a used fuel tank to store 100LL
I recently received an email from a pilot who lives in a remote area where 100LL is not readily available. He was thinking about buying a used tank that had been storing #2 diesel fuel. He was wondering if it could be safely used to store 100LL. I debated the answer for quite a while […]
Breaking in a new engine
I’ve always thought the term “breaking in a new engine” was a strange expression. What are you breaking? Why not call it wear-in? Well, we can’t change tradition. The main part of break-in is to wear in the cylinder walls to provide a better sealing surface for the piston rings. When a new cylinder is ready […]