Aircraft storage

Good to know it doesn't gum up with age-----Alex
wrote in message
oups.com...


I have heard that you can store avgas for extended periods -
and I have a way of finding out. I have a trail bike that
has been in storage for a long time (over 10 years). I always
ran it on avgas, and it still has some in the tank. When
I can find a battery for it I'll try starting it and let
you know what happens (was planning to get it going again
anyway).

David Johnson

UPDATE:

Found a battery for the bike (a Honda Trail 90, vintage 1979) and
tried it out today. It started with no more difficulty than I would
expect of an engine that had been sitting a long time. It was a
bit cranky till it warmed up, then ran fine - not unexpected. This
was with the gas in the tank - for who knows how long. I did drain
an ounce or so from the carb (using the sump drain), and it came
out perfectly clean. I inspected the tank with a flashlight, and it
is also perfectly clean - just like new. The gas is a reddish color -
probably 80 octane. The only items needing attention are the foam
air filter element and rubber tank gasket (both disintegrating). I
took the filter out pending obtaining a replacement.

The last time this bike was used on the road was 1982 (still has
the '82 sticker on it). I do remember getting it running again
about 10 years ago, but never did anything with it other than
ride it around my property a couple of times.

So it looks to me as though avgas will keep almost indefinitely -
as I had read somewhere.

David Johnson