TCP Shortage?

bsdunek · Post by **bsdunek** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:12 pm

Anybody know what's going on with TCP? I tried to order some from several suppliers and it seems everybody is out, and say it won't be available until next March.
I know there is probably very little call for it with all the unleaded fuel now, but it seems odd that there is none available for 4-5 months.

canderson · Post by **canderson** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:47 pm

If you search these forums for "TCP" you'll see there have been several issues over the years with availability. Seems like the production methods and supply chains vary and cause frequent disruptions to the process.
You'll also see that TCP is used quite a bit, especially with 100LL. I believe in it but have had good luck so far (about a year) being careful with my leaning procedures and haven't tried to order any....yet.
Alcor's website claims people can order direct, so you might try that route...

http://www.alcorinc.com/contact.php

Anybody have more timely info?

Post by **GAHorn** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:27 pm

My regular suppliers have it. (Local supply houses and Spruce.)

hilltop170 · Post by **hilltop170** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:44 pm

I have two partially used gallon cans with measuring syringes that anyone can have for free if youÂ´ll pay for what ever shipping company will take the stuff or come pick them up. One is in Texas and one is in Alaska. I have no intention of ever using it in anything again. I should have read the label before buying it. It is too hazardous to carry in your plane, itÂ´s plainly written on the can and if you shake the can it will crawl out from under the cap. I donÂ´t want anything else to do with it.

MMO might not be approved but at least it wonÂ´t kill you.

LRF · Post by **LRF** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 4:40 am

I tried Spruce and SkyGeek - both are out. I called Alcor in San Antonio and was told the problem. They can not ship until they come up with a new cap or container for shipping. Current design is apparently unreliable and leaking. They have it in stock and will sell to anyone that will pick it up. They do not expect the problem to be resolved until 2nd quarter of 2008. They are located very near the San Antionio airport, KSAT at 300 Breesport (210-349-6491). Check their website for 800 number, or to verify for yourself. Planning to make a run their myself.

blueldr · Post by **blueldr** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 6:40 am

I wonder why they can't solder a seal under the cap to be punched out when opened?

It doesent sound like they're very eager to sell the stuff.

hilltop170 · Post by **hilltop170** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 7:07 pm

I rest my case.

Larry-
Why donÂ´t you come to Grand Prairie and get my can for free?

Blueldr-
I wouldnÂ´t get a hot soldering iron anywhere near TCP unless I was trying to blow up something.

Post by **GAHorn** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:23 pm

blueldr wrote:I wonder why they can't solder a seal under the cap to be punched out when opened?

It doesent sound like they're very eager to sell the stuff.

They changed from cans to plastic bottles a couple years ago. My latest call today to a local supplier (Tex Air in Ft. Worth) shows them out also. They say this is due to hazardous shipping rules. Hopefully Alcor will solve the problem soon.

Post by **GAHorn** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:29 pm

Well...at the risk of a good ribbing from some of my better friends here.... here's an unapproved "copy cat" product:
http://www.decalinchemicals.com/fueladditive.html

also available from Spruce:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/a ... ecalin.php

Alcor TCP is the FAA approved additive which contains TCP (tricresyl phosphate) a multipurpose additive which also helps rid engines of lead residues that foul plugs, etc. Alcor's recipie mixes the stuff into a useable mixture/dilution with an ingredient which is also found in avgas, toluene. Toluene is flammable and hazardous, and is the reason it shouldn't be carried in the plane (according to the liability fine-print which I personally have ignored for years, carrying it in a plastic zip-lok bag.)

Decalin (itself a re-applied name of a similar chemical concoction Decahydronaphthalene, common name: decalin) is the commercial trade-name of a product that includes tricresyl phosphate, to be used for lead scavenging in engines. The producing company has not obtained FAA approval.

If I were to use a non-approved additive for lead scavenging ...I would not use Marvel Mystery Oil...(which makes no such claims and which is merely a perfumed, dyed, solvent like naphta/kerosene....) ... but I would consider using Decalin as a substitute for Alcor TCP.

blueldr · Post by **blueldr** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 3:17 am

I can't figure how Alcor sort of acquired a "lock" on TCP.

Back in the "olden days", before a lot of you fellas were born, we used to cover airplanes with cotton cloth. Over time, and out in the elements, the doped finish tended to deteriorate and develop cracks in the dope exposing the fabric to the elements. When this ocurred, the doped finish was required to be rejuvenated to restore flexibility and sealing.
The rejuvenating material was clear dope diluted with a specific amount of TCP--tricresylphosphate-- as specified by Air Force Tech Order.

I also seem to remember that it was required by an AD to be used in fuel in helicopters having opposed engines back in the days of 100/130 av gas.

Post by **GAHorn** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 7:04 pm

blueldr wrote:I can't figure how Alcor sort of acquired a "lock" on TCP.
....

They acquired the FAA approval from Shell, who originated the use of tcp in gasolines. No one else has bothered to gain approval, probably since it's a small market.

I wish avgas refiners would quit putting lead in avgas at the refinery and would allow the end-user to dial-up how much "octane" they wanted at the pump. (Like the good ol' days of Gulf Oil Co. and Conoco. Remember when you could dial-up the octane level of autogas at the pumps?)