Gasoline for Fuelies

[Keith R.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

We always used JP4 but don't think that the Vette would run too well on that. Probably generate a pretty good smoke trail.

[John D.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

How difficult is it to find the 100LL and what are the logistics of obtaining it?

Actually it can be quite difficult to legally purchase 100LL if the little airport you go to goes by the books.

Best thing is to say (and prove) you are using it for testing purposes.
The answer I loved in the above posts was the 100 LL and Marvel Mystery oil. Now sold in a plastic bottle instead of the collectible tin can it came in for a 100 years.

[Mike M.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

one can purchase av gas at the cumberland airport(most of the serious autocrossers do so). however, the airport fuel crew isn't allowed to pump directly into an automobile. they only dispense in gas cans. i have a 60 gal tank with pump in my box trailer so its not a big deal acquiring ethanol-free gasoline.mike

[Bruce B.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

Around here the only way to get 100LL is to be nice to the airport fuel guy and bring metal containers. They will not pump into a vehicle unless it has wings.
Of course if you own a plane it is easier, I don't own one.

[Donald L.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

How difficult is it to find the 100LL and what are the logistics of obtaining it?

If you have any drag racing strips in your state they usually have a source there. Otherwise you could find a local dealer such as these.

Ph:

Fax:

X X X X

EDWARDS ENGINES, INC.
www.edwardsracingengines.com
ATTN: SCOTT & SUZANNE EDWARDS
myedwardsengines@qwestoffice.net
1601 SECOND STREET N.W.
ALBUQUERQUE, 87102

505.247.8821

505.242.7984

X X X X

INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS CORP.
ATTN: BOB JACKSON
robert.jackson28@att.net
CELL PHONE: 505.238.8274
5330 WILLIAMS STREET S.E.
ALBUQUERQUE, 87105

[R B.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

I've had my 65 fuelie for 40 years now, almost to the day. It has been relatively trouble free until about 2 years ago when I started getting fuel leaks caused by corrosion around the seals in the fuel meter, due to the moisture inherent in pump gas containing alcohol. I think this is a huge problem, especially if these cars are stored for long periods like where I live in the midwest. Products like HEET add additional alcohol, which would probably exacerbate corrosion problems long term. Has anyone had any experience with a product like Water Sorb, which apparently does not use alcohol? Filling the tank with racing fuel when storing these cars would be my choice at this point.

[Mike G.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

93 pump gas for the 57 fi. i do add the jack podell lead additive. never had a problem.

[Stephen G.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

I have a 300 gallon tank in my hanger for aircraft and also use it for the cars. They are not supposed to sell it for auto use - no road taxes included. You just need to develop a relationship with the local FBO (Fixed Base Operator - Airplane Gas Station). The more rural the easier. I do know one that will let you put LL directly in the car. But that's unusual. Most will want you to put it into cans or tanks. They are in business to sell the stuff but don't want a slap from the authorities.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

one can purchase av gas at the cumberland airport(most of the serious autocrossers do so). however, the airport fuel crew isn't allowed to pump directly into an automobile. they only dispense in gas cans. i have a 60 gal tank with pump in my box trailer so its not a big deal acquiring ethanol-free gasoline.mike

I buy it at the local airport here in Dunnellon, Florida. Last time I bought 100LL AvGas, it was in the low $4.00/gallon range.

As others have said, they cannot/will not pump into your car. Just bring along a couple of 5 gallon jugs.

Also, FWIW, they only accept credit cards at my local airport. NO cash.

Another aside. Here in my area of Florida, we have 2 gas stations that sell NO ETHANOL fuel. One is a Mystic station, the other is a Coastal station. Boaters still use no ethanol fuel a lot. Only comes in regular grade. I've "mixed and matched" 100LL AvGas and No Ethanol regular, and my 63 runs pretty well on that mix.

Runs terribly in the Florida heat on Hi Test Ethanol fuel alone.

Chuck

[Stuart F.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

Just a thought in passing which may be a consideration for us Vette owners using today's crappy gas;

Today, I dug out my lawn mower for my son to use as his was in the shop. Mine had not been run for about two years as I have a service, just sitting in a hot Florida garage. When I stopped using it, I prepped it like we did up north for the winter, i.e. drained the gas out and ran it dry, and drained the oil. Well, my son got it cranked up and soon after it began to leak gas like crazy from the prime button and all around the carb. Bottom line, don't completely drain the gas (?) or the seals dry out (?), and/or the ethanol deteriorates the seals, then they fail from drying out(?). This was a surprise to me, and a new experience.

I surmise, therefore, that a carb or fuelie unit sitting a year or so under similar conditions would also have such a problem

Stu Fox

[Jim L.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

I surmise, therefore, that a carb or fuelie unit sitting a year or so under similar conditions would also have such a problem

Stu Fox

Fuel will completely evaporate from the bowl of an FI unit in a matter of a couple of weeks.

If an owner subsequently does a "dry start" (meaning tries to start the engine when the fuel bowl is empty), she/he will ever so slightly accelerate the wear on the pump shaft and pump shaft seal. Do this enough times and the seal will not hold back the fuel which will then run or dribble out of the bowl on to the engine. This is a serious fire hazard.

Bottom line: The worst thing you can for/to a fuelie is to NOT drive it. Conversely, the best thing you can do for a fuelie is to drive it often and to drive it far. Beware fuelie trailer queens!

Jim

[Bruce B.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

Bruce,
How sure are you about the SHELL 93? I just went to our local SHELL station and there is a generic sign on the pump that says "May contain up to 10% Ethanol" I asked about the 93 octane V power but the attendant wasn't sure. I bought 5 gallons and will try to see if the problem is any better. I just spoke with Jerry Brammlett and he thinks a lot of these guys are adding more than 10% now. I'll let you know how I do with the SHELL

Richard,
Last time I checked at Shell, a few months ago there were no signs calling out ethanol content on the pumps. I also questioned the attendent and he swore there was NO ethanol in the gas.
I will check again the next time I fill up since our wonderful government mandates different gas formuale at different times of the year. That gives the companies a good excuse to raise prices.
As I mentioned I can get 100LL ave gas easily but when I travel I need a substitute and Shell has been good in my 57 FI car.
Bruce B

[Dan D.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

For lawn mowers and small engines, the prefered thing to do is fill the gas tank completely with gas and stabilizer. A full tank miminizes moisture in the tank. Then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer in the carb. Then shut the engine off, drain the oil and fill with fresh oil. Finally, tell the engine 'see ya in the spring. Have a good hibernation'.
When one lives in upstate NY, you learn how to do this stuff. -Dan-

[Stuart F.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

Dan;

Those are good suggestions for your climate and I did similar things when I lived in Illinois, specially just for a winter shut down. Here in Florida, we tend to shut down for the summer cause it's too darn hot for us old farts to cut our own grass then. Also, we don't need any mower or even a gas can sitting around in the garage stinking up the attached facility. It is all we can do to control our old Vettes and keep peace in the family. By that I mean, telling your spouse how much your old Vette is worth and it will all be hers someday will only buy you just so much time and consideration.

Stu Fox

[Tom P.]

Re: Gasoline for Fuelies

Since I'm involved with the restoration of a WWII bomber, I frequently take two 5gal cans to the airport on any given Saturday and have them filled with 100LL. They NEVER question what I'm going to do with it.
As mentioned, you may get yourself and the airport in trouble if it is pumped directly into a car!