Question UL94

Eric, 
I haven't seen anything factual about a warranty problem from Superior is unleaded fuel is used; a belief was posted in this thread.

I've contacted Superior to see what it says about warranties and unleaded avgas usage.

S

Hi Charlie;
I've reached out to Superior to see if unleaded fuel use affects its warranty.

Awaiting a reply.

Yes, there is a requirement to "re authorize" the use of UL fuel after any leaded fuel is added one the user has performed the "authorization" procedure in Lyc SI 270. 

Not sure why, but that's what it says.

Steve

Eric-

I will update but after seeing Steve’s input -I think the need for lead on Avgas for my engine is myth.

Charlie

Wow, interesting pricing. I am guessing they want to make sure there is enough fuel for local aircraft but almost double the price seems extreme. I would assume as Unleaded 100 octane fuel becomes more common this will drop.

I too find it strange that Superior is saying that unleaded fuel would void their warranty. Part of the extensive work GAMI did on their fuel was showing that the lead was not needed. I would love to know if Superior is saying this based on testing or just myth.

Steve-

Thank you and I will ask my mechanic about the reference source but it did seem though it was "local knowledge" or unofficial knowledge based upon experience that may not be based in data/science. I am wondering if Superior, the manufacturer of the Millennium cylinders that I will be getting has anything out there on 94UL-I will search.

Lastly I read the documents that you sent to me and it appears that I cannot switch back and forth between 94UL and 100LL without going through a transition process that involves changing the oil and filter. This may make the use of 94UL impractical for the foreseeable future because I buy fuel regularly at other airports when I take cross country flights. I am hoping I am wrong about this but that is how I read it.

Thanks again for all of you guidance on this.

Charlie

Hi Charlie;
I would ask you mechanic for a reference to the information about the necessity for lead in avgas. I've heard that for decades so when unleaded UL 94 was introduced I asked that question.

I was told that in order to get FAA approval of UL 94, an engine has to be run on it during what I believe is called a 150 hour endurance test. After the test is over the engine is torn down for inspection to look for any problems.
Since the STC was granted, the FAA must have felt that there were no detrimental effects.

Lycoming has added Swift UL94 to it's approved fuel list. This is in Lycoming Service Letter SI1070.
In SL 270, Lycoming extended the oil/filter change interval to 100 hours if unleaded fuel is used.

You and your mechanic can get answers to problems such as these by going to the Swift Fuels website and reading the Q and A page.

Since both Continental and Lycoming endorse the use of these fuels, I assure you that your warranty will not be cancelled using these fuels.

Your mechanic is trying to help, but he is mis informed.

Steve