Microlighters

Does anybody have any information regarding the performance and reliabilty of Rotax motors using E10 petrol.
Here in Zimbabwe we have revived the use of ethanol blended petrol. E10 stands for 10% ( you hope this is accurate) ethanol. It is at selected service stations only at present so it can be avoided for now, but the plan is to blend all petrol in the country in time to come.
On the 2 stroke motors will it still be compatable when this fuel is mixed with synthetic 2 stroke oils.
Any idea if we will/should have to richen the motors to control the EGT"s??

good question ray, i will be monitoring this post to see the answer! think our beers / hrs flown may rise if there is a snag! cheers gav

Hi,

I don't have any first hand experience and am not a chemical engineer, however, this old article http://www.800-airwolf.com/pdffiles/ARTICLES/part19.pdf might just answer your questions. It basically says that alcohol-fuel blends are bad news for 2-strokes, especially when using mineral-based 2-stroke oils and not so much when using synthetic. It appears that the 2-stroke oil doesn't stay mixed well in the presence of alcohol and water separation may occur too.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

V.

Will going the autolube route work with these fuels?

Hi Boet,

I would guess that since the separation of the 2-stroke oil occurs over time, the auto-lube will help, because the time between mixing and using up the fuel is rather short. On the other hand, water separation will probably remain a problem when the fuel is left in the tank and perhaps corrosion will be an issue in the cylinders/crank case when the engine stands for extended periods. Synthetic oil might make this worse at it is more hygroscopic than mineral.

Please note that I'm just speculating here.

Cheers,

V.