Exxon fuel recall
See also Exxon’s November 25 recall.
See also Exxon’s November 27 recall.
See also Texaco’s statement (December 2).
See also Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (December 11).
November 28, 1998
Exxon statement regarding aviation gasoline recall
Technical questions
1. What test was failed?
The aviation gasoline failed the copper strip corrosion test. This test is designed to assure that the product, over the long term, will not corrode metal parts of the aircraft.
2. What does the failure mean? What impact will this fuel have on my engine and its fuel system?
Fuel that fails this test could, if it remains in contact with metal parts for an extended period of time, corrode them. However, since the fuel in question could not have been in contact with aircraft engines for more than three months, pilots should not be alarmed. They should contact the FBO from whom they purchased the fuel to have it removed from their tanks and replaced with product that meets ASTM specifications. If the fuel has already been consumed by the aircraft, it should not have any impact on the metal parts of the engine.
Documentation of cost for de-fueling the aircraft should be submitted to the FBO from whom the product was purchased for Exxon reimbursement. Other claims must have Exxon’s prior approval for reimbursement.
3. Is Exxon going to pay to fix anything that is wrong?
We do not believe that the recalled aviation gasoline will have had any harmful impact on the aircraft in which it was stored or on any engines of aircraft in which it was consumed. However we are recalling the product as a precautionary measure.
November 28, 1998
