4 ms·
Jets? I thought lead was added to fuel to prevent "pinking", which is the pre-ignition of fuel in the cylinders of a piston engine. Why does jet fuel need lead?
by denton-scratch 3y ago
Jets? I thought lead was added to fuel to prevent "pinking", which is the pre-ignition of fuel in the cylinders of a piston engine. Why does jet fuel need lead?
- kedikedi 3y agoI think you’re right. Leaded additive is an octane enhancer to prevent knocking but it’s also good for valve seats and whatnot. That’s the bit what makes it difficult to just switch to other octane enhancers as far as I know.
- denton-scratch 3y agoSuggested explanation: jet fuel doesn't need added tetraethyl lead. But aviation fuel is standardized; it's convenient to use the same fuel for jet planes and planes with piston-engines, so that airstrips don't have to store more than one kind of fuel.
- tass 3y agoJet fuel and avgas are kept carefully separate and are incompatible - Jet fuel has no added lead. Most piston aircraft use avgas (usually leaded) though some use jet fuel (diesel powered). Larger propellers are usually powered by turbines burning jet fuel.
- denton-scratch 3y agoThanks for clarifying!