Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "Christian Bobka"
In an effort to offer some much needed RELIEF from the last dozen or so posts,I'd like to ask a question. What is the bluish-green residue that seems to find it's way into and aroundanything associated with 100LL gas? I've seen this stuff show up around the gascolator,on the firewall (and belly) below the gascolator. I had a 150 for 4years and NEVER saw this stuff. I'm running a Stromberg on my A-65 . Does thisstuff collect and form within the carb bowl or just where it meets free air?I've also seen it collect around the intke of a motorcycle carburetor (whenI used a little to run the engine). It sure makes a mess. Is there anything that will get it off of WHITE Polytonepaint. (short of using MEK) Then I'll have to re-paint anyway. Thanks________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Bert Conoly
Bert,It is a dye that is added to the fuel so that it can identified specifically as100LL aviation fuel. There used to be other colours including purple for the100/145 octane and red for the 80 octane. There was a 100 octane at one timethat I believe was green. It had more lead than 100 Low Lead hence the LL addedto the 100LL as this is a carryover from the old days.The other reason for the dye is that it is useful as a leak indicator. If yousee the goop accumulating, then there is a leak or seep there. The fuel evaporatesbut the dye will not. I lost 12.5 gallons once out of a bad seal on theCessna 140 sump drain and all I had left for the 30 bucks of fuel was a bluedot. A good reason to always check the tank level by looking in the tank becauseI was convinced I had the fuel.....and something was wrong with the indicator.Chris ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Christian Bobka
Now THIS is why I have tuned in for several years. Thanks Chris. Good Info.BC ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Bert Conoly
BertWell, Chris beat me to the answer. Aside from identifying fuel type, the dye isa dang good leak detector. I don't think the oil companies planned it, just kindahappened that way.I have had some success removing the blue with Wesley's Bleach White. Be sure towax after use. The wax will also hold the blue away from the paint and helpkeep it from soaking in.Disclaimer: this is not 100% effective, but helpsSorry for the legal stuff... but with all the copyright ruckus, just covering theold 6. (This is a joke)If near Atl. come to the Piet. Factory.Barry Davis ----- Original Message -----