According to the manuals, both Avgas and Mogas or unleaded premium gasoline are approved for use in Solo engines. We are frequently asked which fuel we recommend using.
Schempp-Hirth recommends using Avgas for the following reasons:
- Avgas has a higher MON (Motor Octane Number) than Mogas. This makes it less likely, e.g., for vapor bubbles to form in the fuel at elevated ambient temperatures.
- The quality of Avgas is monitored according to aviation-specific testing procedures.
- Avgas does not have an unpleasant gasoline odor.
- Avgas has higher biological stability due to its chemical composition.
Mogas is a special automotive fuel that lacks some of the additives found in Avgas and may contain, for example, up to 1% alcohols such as ethanol. Mogas therefore has disadvantages over Avgas when used in aircraft engines. However, if Avgas is not available, such specially qualified automotive fuels should be preferred as an alternative.
The composition of conventional premium gasoline sold at gas stations can differ significantly from this. These fuels may now contain significant amounts of alcohols in the form of ethanol, which, among other things, promotes water absorption
In addition to the harmful effects of water in fuel, prolonged storage of fuel can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and suspended particles, which can impair the function of fuel filters, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors. Such fuels are therefore least suitable for use under the operating conditions of aircraft engines and should be avoided.
