Using Ethanol in Your Plane

: Isn't the issue that because of the required fuel/air mixture, an engine
: running on Ethanol is going to run lean, assuming the carb or fuel injection
: system is configured for gasoline?

That would be a definate concern. Ethanol is a fine fuel for SI engines, but
it should be optimized for it. That means higher compression, and a richer fuel
schedule.... *double* for 100% ethanol IIRC.

: Other than the wingtip issues, I wonder if there are hidden problems due to
: the ethanol. No telling what impact ethanol has on fuel tank sealant,
: hoses, seals, etc.

Also correct. Seals, hoses, gaskets, and aluminum corrosion are concerns. I
recall reading about that on the EA85 website. Something about the additives they had
to add to the 85% ethanol to keep it from attacking the aluminum.

I have no doubt that it can be done, but I wouldn't want to just do it
willy-nilly. That's one case where certification requirements would be a *good*
thing IMO.

-Cory


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* Cory Papenfuss *
* Electrical Engineering candidate Ph.D. graduate student *
* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University *
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