CT4ME Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 After years of talk, there is an alternative to 100LL available - 100VLL (very low lead). I'm guessing this is just an interim solution to the problem of lead, as the product still contains a significant amount of lead... just 19% less than 100LL. The FAA says any airplane can run 100VLL that currently runs 100LL... and that there should not be any differences in anything, including maintenance. Here's a full article about the FAA announcement: http://www.eaa.org/news/2011/2011-09-15_100vll.asp That being said, we can carry on a discussion of the product here... any problems in Rotax engines or Flight Design aircraft, availability, cost, differences in lead build-up etc. My first question... will Decalin be needed, or still work? Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 Any thing with lead will need Decalin. Low lead really isn't that low. Lead is lead and it leaves deposits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
207WF Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 Well, OK, but doesn't it make sense that we should use less of it? WF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 If your fuel has lead in then stick with the 1/2 oz per 10 gal. Lead is lead. Just like they say now 100 low lead. Nothing about it is low lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT4ME Posted November 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2011 I talked with the Decalin folks... they weren't aware of the developments in 100VLL, and will look into it. With that in mind, they thought Decalin should work as before, using the same amounts. They indicated there were several aspects to the product, beyond just scavenging lead. Some portion of the formula boosts the combustion. But fully understanding that we would rather have a definitive answer, they are going to do some research, and probably post something on their website. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocRon Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Does Decalin work better than TCP? On the rare occasion I have to use 100LL I always put TCP in to the tanks. If I understand the process, the additive somehow bonds with the lead and keeps it from gumming up your engine. Is that right? And, is one brand better than the other? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Hi Ron, TCP works, but it has some harsh chemicals where the Mfg doesn't want it in the cockpit and can be harsh on the planes skin if spilled and left uncleaned. Decalin which is another lead scavenger like TCP isn't as harsh and works just as well. They both help keep the lead softened so some of it exits the exhaust. Neither will keep all the lead out and you will still get leading with either product. It's better to run the engine at higher rpms too like 5300+ to help keep leading down. Low cruise rpms makes the leading worse. Use 91 oct. at home and when traveling most of us are stuck with 100LL, but that is usually a small amount over an entire year. Decalin is about $19 for a bottle and you only use 1/2 oz. per 10 gal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocRon Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Roger, You Da Man on these type of answers! I really appreciate that. I paid (about) $33. for a quart ot TCP. I assume Decalin is a quart bottle too and significantly lower in price. I'll order that ASAP and leave the TCP for emergency reserve. I also like hearing about the higher rpm cruise when using 100LL; I didn't know that. Being a bit mechanically challenged many of these things are not intuitive, but once you explain it to me I'll remember. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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