"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message
...

"Mike Schumann" wrote in message
.. .
I can't imagine that happening. Until there is a replacement for 100LL,
with the number of aircraft flying in the US, there will be a supply from
somewhere. The big question will be the cost.

However, there may be hope. See:
http://www3.baylor.edu/bias/publicat...ayaircraft.pdf

This paper describes obtaining an STC for operating a Pawnee on ethanol.
Note that the engine described is the fuel injected Lycoming IO-540 and
not the more common carburated O-540.

.. The modifications required to use ethanol with
a carburator are not really feasable.


We should have Autogas for a long time, albeit with some amount of Ethanol.
We should not need to use pure Ethanol-no?

Forgive my naievte, but what is so hard about a "Gasohol" conversion for a
Carbureted Pawnee, other than the STC itself. Ethanol resistant fuel lines
are a reality, Viton, or Silicon Blue O-rings are available. If anything in
the carburetor is not ethanol proof it can be changed, no? So--new carb,
with properly sized ports and resistant seals, new fuel lines and fittings
and there we are. Getting the blessing of the FAA could be harder, but the
Autogas STC is done, so there is some history.
I would think that is easier than a full fuel injection conversion.

Besides--imagine the fun on a nice hot soaring day, with the Tow pilot
taking a water (dump) break, with 6 more ships to launch, and the FI "hot
start" technique doesn't work.

Hartley Falbaum
USA