100LL avgas

[sharkoilfield]

I've been testing gasoline locally and they all now are 10% ethanol. I can get 100LL (low lead) avgas and am considering using it in my stock 1974 XLCH. From what I'm reading, although inconvenient, this would actually be good for my engine. As close as we can get to "hi-test" in the 70's.
Anyone have experience to share?

[JW113]

Shark, I have to confess I've never used AVgas of any kind. All I can offer is my own experience with other gas. Namely, unleaded. My XL is 10.25:1, and all I use is California pump 91 octane gas, which I'm sure is full of lots of stuff other than petrochemicals. I have zero problems with it. So I'm not sure what problem you're trying to solve. Is your bike pinging on "high octane" pump gas?

-JW

[Jim Bronson]

I used 100LL in my Plymouth Duster 318 in the 70s when I was working as a charter pilot. As I recall, it ran well and gave pretty decent mileage. I was able to get a discount if I pumped it myself. Those were the days.....

[sharkoilfield]

It's not an octane/knocking issue. I don't like corn urine in motors used infrequently.
Have used ethanol free in my small engines forever with no carb problems. I don't trust vintage fuel systems and lined tanks to tolerate sitting with ethanol for long periods

[JW113]

OK, I can understand your concern. If you've not "alcohol-proofed" your fuel system, that could be of concern. I tend to replace all hoses & o-rings with modern, viton or better parts, and have the tanks coated with RedKote.

-JW

[sharkoilfield]

Avgas cardlock only a couple miles away at quiet small-town airport. The bike likes it! Using a steel jerry can, too, on advice of fuel wholesaler. All a pain in the butt, I know, but worth it to me. I may take a steel pony barrel out next...get 20 gallons. Hopefully a nice riding season ahead!

[kd]

How does it effect the tank liner (if any)?

[sharkoilfield]

There's no ethanol; should be no different than hi-test pump gas. I have a clear fuel line and see nothing happening yet. It's going to have a longer "shelf life" under proper storage conditions too. Ideal for an occasional use vintage I think.
If anything happens I'll be first to share here...
Enjoy summer!