Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ralph Powell on August 10, 2026 at 10:33am

Greg,

While I have not been able to convince myself to fly to Mexico, I would be interested in seeing your flight plan involving Mogas stops. I can also offer assistance in fueling with Mogas if you pass through SE Idaho (U02).  No on airport Mogas but I have clean gas jugs and nearby bulk plant.

I fly a Cruiser with a 350i with 1200 hours on Hobbs.

Ralph

208 680-2561

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Permalink Reply by Greg Kulosa on August 10, 2026 at 12:43pm

Here's what I had in mind.   

Payette (S75) has mogas, just north of Boise.

I got all the unleaded fuel airports from:  https://flyunleaded.com/mapusairports.html

I haven't called any of them yet to confirm Mogas, just doing initial planning.

My Cruzer also has a 350i - but I'm only at 30 hours - my first flight was in June of this year.

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Permalink Reply by Jim MacWilliams on August 10, 2026 at 1:23pm

With regard to flying to the Zenith homecoming, no joy, as I'm on the east coast and not planning on coming (sorry - wish I could).  However, I did speak at length with Herman (Wheels and wings) and the president of UL Power at Sun & Fun about burning 100LL.  UL Power said it would take 400 hundred hours or more of running on 100LL for significant buildup to occur.  So, while they strongly recommend running on unleaded on a regular basis, they said not to worry about the occasional fill up with 100LL - just revert to unleaded when you get home.  

Have a great flight.  Looks like a lot of fun.

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Permalink Reply by Ralph Powell on August 10, 2026 at 3:10pm

Run Aeroshell oil. UL recommends it. It is designed to deal with lead in fuel. Today’s automotive oils are not formulated to work with lead. Cut oil change interval in half if you run much leaded fuel. I have flown my Cruzer to Arizona from Idaho several times and used 100LL on these flights. No problems in the short run. It will turn your oil black. Personally I would not detour to far out of the way just to run Mogas. Shorter and lower elevation to cut over Wyoming. Also, suggest calling ahead to confirm that fuel is actually available and that their fuel pumps work at smaller airports. There is no harm in flying on the top half of your fuel tanks, especially on long trips with unknown winds and airports.

My plane cruises at a ground speed of between 100 and 105 mph at 2750 rpm. Burns a steady 6 gallons per hour. With a different prop and pitch you may get better speed. Bumping up to 2800 just uses more fuel with not much gain in speed. Keep in mind that my home base is at 4500 ft and that may impact my numbers.

Please post your performance figures when firmly established.

Again, we can make arrangements to top you off with Mogas here at Blackfoot and maybe a spare bedroom if I don’t decide to drive to Mexico.

Have a great trip!

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Permalink Reply by Greg Kulosa on August 10, 2026 at 5:26pm

Ralph - thanks for the offer of fuel in Idaho.   I'll keep it in mind.

I'd rather swing by and pick you up as a wingman, though.   Interested in flying?  :-)

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Permalink Reply by Greg Kulosa on August 10, 2026 at 5:24pm

Thanks for the input.   I just wanted to see if it was possible (and it is!) to get unleaded all the way there.   I'd prefer it, but yes I know that we can run AVGAS 100LL if we need to.

I already run Aeroshell as my oil.

And yes, I don't really like the fuel stop near Denver - lots of high mountains, etc.   I'd rather go around.   

I don't want this to devolve to a thread about unleaded - so here is another link that I found with on-airport camping locations.   I'll be looking at this, and planning places to tent camp overnight on the way.   Then tent camp in Mexico at the event too.

https://av8maps.com/camping-with-your-plane/

Anyone interested in joining?

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