Bill Albrecht, who has a heli-pad and hangar in his backyard, recently installed a 2,000-gallon avgas tank. His question: “”What is the shelf life of avgas?”" Please share: Continue Reading →
Can I use 100LL in my homebuilt’s auto engine?
Posted on November 18th, 2005 by Ben Visser
Today’s question comes from a Mr. R. Burger of South Africa. He has a V-8 auto engine in what, I assume, is a homebuilt aircraft. He was wondering if he can use 100LL in his plane without any negative effects... Continue Reading →
The #2 diesel fuel debate continues
Posted on October 21st, 2005 by Ben Visser
Many times I am surprised by the feedback I get from these columns. Most is positive and greatly appreciated. Continue Reading →
Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference
Posted on September 23rd, 2005 by Ben Visser
One of the highlights of the aviation year is EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. The week-long gathering is great for many reasons, but mostly I enjoy seeing old friends and finding out what is new in the technical end of the... Continue Reading →
What’s the best way to start a cold engine?
Posted on August 5th, 2005 by Ben Visser
What’s the best way to start a cold engine? I’ve recently received several questions about this, with some asking about pre-oiling, hand propping or even squirting a small amount of oil into each cylinder before cranking. Continue Reading →
Are there synthetic oils available for aircraft engines?
Posted on July 22nd, 2005 by Ben Visser
Today’s question comes from Verd Erickson, who asked “”Are there any synthetic oils available for aircraft engines?”" His letter was actually sent to Paul McBride, GAN’s engines expert, but ended up with me. Continue Reading →
Make your engine last longer with additives! Increase your mileage 50%!
Posted on July 8th, 2005 by Ben Visser
I’ve received a number of comments concerning the use of additives in the fuel or oil of aircraft. They range from “”I’ve seen #2 diesel fuel gel at cold temperatures even with an additive”" to “”I’ve added such and such... Continue Reading →
What’s the best way to prevent rust during storage?
Posted on June 17th, 2005 by Ben Visser
Judging by the number of questions I receive in the mail and at air shows, the No. 1 lubricant related question is: “”What is the best thing to do to prevent rust and corrosion during prolonged storage or during very... Continue Reading →
Cetane ain’t octane
Posted on June 3rd, 2005 by Ben Visser
Dr. Jason Gislason from ConocoPhillips points out that one of the problems with aircraft diesel engines using Jet A is that there is not a minimum cetane rating in the ASTM D-1655 specification (the spec for all Jet A sold... Continue Reading →
Marvel Mystery Oil and TCP: A cure for valve sticking?
Posted on May 20th, 2005 by Ben Visser
Dennis Corsi recently sent a note, detailing his problem: “”We operate a 1980 Cessna 182 RG with a Lycoming O-540. Recently, the number one exhaust valve push rod bent. We have been adding Marvel Mystery Oil ever since, but I... Continue Reading →
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