On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 20:55:14 GMT, "#1ACGuy"
wrote:

How long can an aircraft sit unused before the fuel gums up and contaminates
the fuel system?
snip
I ask because some of these planes seem like they're for sale for over a
year or more, and I wonder what kind of problems they have due to sitting
besides the obvious dry startup with no oil on the cam etc. (as if that
isn't enough of a problem)

My guess is that most planes for sale are still flying regularly.
There are exceptions to this (ramp or hangar queens and owners forced
into selling because of financial distress), but most owners realize
the worst thing they can do to an aircraft is not to fly it.

Regarding storage, you can 'pickle' an engine to allow VERY long term
storage, however as you point out this does not address the fuel
system. Some planes have bladder tanks, and I imagine it is quite bad
for them to sit dry. Probably the same goes for the fuel lines. Not
to mention the gyro instruments, vac pump, and vac lines.

-Nathan