Unleaded fuel problem?

[skykrawler]

From NASA Callback

Part 91 – Mechanically Speaking

This FBO repair facility Aviation Maintenance Technician reported a serious safety issue. The investigation and level of concern clearly indicate superior professional dedication to the safety of flight and aviation itself.

■ Increased frequency of maintenance [is] required on carburetors and fuel injector systems due to suspected cadmium particulate matter being found in float bowls, fuel injector nozzles, fuel screens, and fuel jets. This impacts fuel flow and metering, impacting engine performance due to restriction of fuel flow. This phenomenon was observed on aircraft during unscheduled maintenance due to complaints of loss of power and also during routine scheduled maintenance. Particulate accumulation [was] also found in check valves, auxiliary fuel pumps and mechanical engine pumps. Clumps and screen obstruction [were] observed. This has been observed over the past four months, since aircraft started using Unleaded 94 Octane (UL94). The exact source of the cadmium is not definitively determined at this time. We suspect the cadmium is held in suspension in the fuel, and in addition to accumulating and clogging the fuel system, some particles are entering the combustion chamber with unknown impacts on cylinders, valves, and exhaust systems. A simple experiment was conducted. Aviation cadmium bolts were placed in [100 Octane Low Lead] 100LL and UL94 for a few hours. The bolts in 100LL remained intact with no change. The bolts in UL94 showed flaking with particles suspended in the fuel, sparkling. Cleaning of all fuel parts in the fuel systems clears the problem, but it reappears. We are concerned since we have limited experience with UL94 and have not seen anything like this in our careers, which total over 50 years together as A&P and IA [Inspection Authority Mechanics].

[tony]

which FSDO did you report this to?  any response?

[PT20J]

7 hours ago, tony said:

which FSDO did you report this to?  any response?

OP is just reposting an item from NASA Callback summary of ASRS reports. No way to tell location because these are deidentified. Hopefully, the reporter also filed a SDR with the FAA.

[skykrawler]

There is not a lot cadmium plated stuff in the fuel system of a Mooney or even a Cessna that I can think of.   The drains are brass alloy. Hard lines are aluminum.  Hoses are hoses.

Not sure I get it.