Ethanol

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howard bradley
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 7:32 am
Location: Shropshire

Ethanol

Post by howard bradley » Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:46 pm

Richard ,many thanks for the information , I have posted the possibility to all Jabiru pilots on our Owners forum , I knew one day it would hit ,well now it has ,It is now up to the captain in command what they do regarding testing , Richard I got in touch with my Insurers and they did`nt even reply ,that should sum up the lethargic attitude of GA on this subject , just wait for the first engine failure and damage then the **** will hit the fan

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Rod1
Posts: 567
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:22 am
Location: Midlands

Post by Rod1 » Mon Dec 22, 2008 8:03 pm

Most of the Supermarkets have been selling 5% ethanol based fuel for the last 9 months or so. Solution, do not buy from the supermarkets. The rest of the distribution network should be mostly ethanol free, but I think there is an article in the next mag, which will be up to date.

Is the Jab not ok with ethanol? I thought the Micros were using it?

Rod1
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howard bradley
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 7:32 am
Location: Shropshire

Ethanol

Post by howard bradley » Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:22 am

Hi Rod ,in answer to your question Jabiru Microlight can use it but not the same aircraft if Reg as a Cat A ,
The Jabiru engine has been using it all over the world with no apparent problems , that is not the issue ,and I should have made it clear (sorry)
Its the fuel tank and perhaps lines ,the fuel tank needs to be cleaned out with Kleem and re-sealed ,this prevents crud from the old sealer blocking filters etc , The J120 shows in the spec sheets it is OK up to I believe 10 % Ethanol . The other item that can give a problem is the float in the Bing carb ,older engines need to be checked ,information is available and help from ST Services Best Regards Howard.

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