F.I. Percolation

[Don H.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

I am fortunate to live very close to the airport. I have ran 100 LL (aviation fuel) for over 29 years in my '60 FI. It runs great in any weather but when I am on the road with pump gas you can expect problems in hot weather. Don H.

[Bill C.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

I have noticed the same thing, but more related to vapor lock - when hot.

I switch between blending TEL and running straight unleaded pump gas. My problems only occurr when no TEL is in the fuel.

I buy TEL by the case from KemCo (they make the TEL blend for Lead Supreme 130, and MAX Lead products). Adds around 25 cents a gallon to the cost - works great. Only need to blend around .5 to 1 OZ per gallon.

The fuel is more stable and I never have vapor lock or power loss in high heat,

Hope the info helps -

[Clem Z.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

i am not a FI guy but i have noticed that a lot of SBC engines the bottom rad hose touches the fuel line from the fuel pump where it goes up the front of the block. i would also check there

[John D.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

I am fortunate to live very close to the airport. I have ran 100 LL (aviation fuel) for over 29 years in my '60 FI. It runs great in any weather but when I am on the road with pump gas you can expect problems in hot weather. Don H.

Don, Makes good spot remover too on carpets. Hard on the hands though. I am going out today to get 3 of 5 gal containers filled up. Hate to think what it will cost though. The big collectors don't like it when I tell them that FI cars make poor collector cars if they are just going to park them in a line up without starting them regularly. But with 100LL they can be a little more lax as you well know. It won't go stagnant like crapola pump gas does. I use it in my generator for my vendor trailer. The thing starts up with one pull and doesn't kill u with the fumes. Smells sweet and has a built in leak detector. Might be hard on O'rings so I use viton o'rings.
Joe Cifarelli of NY talked me into using 100LL to test his FI back in Jan '96. Before that I never used it at all. John

[Clem Z.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

years ago before race gas was available av gas was used for dyno testing race engines because every gallon you bought was the same because the contents are federally controlled

[George J.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

I have had no problems with my 65, even on a 10% ethanol blend. Have you guys tried increasing the idle speed. I run it at 1100 to 1200 and it seems to be fine.

George

[Stuart F.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

For what it's worth guys, I have a 63 340 hp w/AFB. Carbureted cars have a similar problem, specially those w/aluminum intakes (I've had a 58 fuelie and recall the problems even back in the early 60's, hot and cold). My 63 was very temp sensitive before I went to TEL additive which I use on a regular basis. It allowed me to increase my initial advance (which helps) and go back to a more aggressive advance curve. I also (sorry Duke) run a 160 thermostat. I live in Orlando, Florida where we get lots of heat and traffic, and I even drive the slow "stop & go" cruises at Old Town! I no longer have a heat up condition; no stumble, stammer or hesitation like before. The 63 has chrome steel fuel lines from the pump thru the filter (mounted on the water manifold) to the Carburetor and nothing but a standard base gasket between the carb and manifold. The manifold has no heat shield on it's bottom side either in the valley - the perfectly terrible scenario for such a problem. Mine rarely shows the temp needle above the 160 mark. May not be the best for the engine, but it sure runs fine. Of course I wouldn't recommend the 160 thermostat for anyone else, but I've used them since 1956 in the summer and have run a number of Chevy V8's well past 120k miles, many seeing red line almost daily.

Stu Fox

[John D.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

Keep an eye out for leaks. Especially the hi-pressure pump as the 10% ethanol is very hard on the seals and o'rings. Swells them up like a donut.

[Joel F.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

John,

What is your thought on the idle speed issue? What do you run the LWC at?

Joel

[John D.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

Try some good old Marvel Mystery oil in your gas. Works wonders. Also good for what ails you.

[Dan H.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

Hi John and all, well, not to beat it to death but my 64 FI came around on cruddy Cal. pump gas, 91 octane mix, by a doing several small but helpful things:
160 thermostat
2 quarts of 'water wetter' along with anti freeze in radiator
changing cruddy repro '236' vacuum advance back to my real one
setting the FI unit with a good manometer
setting timing at 8 degrees without vacuum advance
Marvel Mystery Oil (a splash)
I drove through 100 degree Arizona weather returning from Flagstaff Regional in 06, car stayed at 180 (Dewitt Radiator)
During any weather here in SoCal it runs and starts fine.
A nice DeGregory rebuilt FI unit, #380
Dan

[John D.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

Joel, I run the LWC on 850-900 to pass nice ops check. I used to drive a nice red(was originally saddle) 63 fake fuel car with a fiberglass air cleaner to work almost everyday. I set the idle at 1000. In my town it's all hills and everyone gets right up on your bumper so the extra RPM helped out.
Jerry Gollnick didn't tell you the whole story. One that he told me 5 plus years ago. He said when he raised the quality of fuel he was using in his 65 he solved a lot of his perc problems. JD

[Nick M.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

John

I don't have anywhere close by me to buy race fuel that I am aware of but I may be able to get aviation fuel at a local airport that accomodates corporate jets. Are all aviation fuels alike and is it ok to mix that fuel with the regular "premium" fuel that I have in my tank or am I better off with an additive to the Sunoco premium gas? I know Marvel mystery was mentioned in this thread. By the way, is the little white car ready yet? I know my little blue one is not!

[Mike M.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

AvGas would be good as Don points out.
Corporate jets use Jet A, basically kerosene, probably not in your best interest.
You should be in good shape with Sunoco premium and if needed, octane booster with a flavor of MMO.
HaND

[Jim T.]

Re: F.I. Percolation

Just checked the price of AV gas the other day, price was $6. and some change. Jet fuel was a few cents cheaper.