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CrownLJ(at)verizon.net
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 Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:12 am Post subject: fuel, header tank, etc |
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I have an Avid with the standard 2 wing tanks. I had always been uncomfortable with one tank being able to siphon all the fuel out so I installed shut off valves in each tank. I know that I am know the weak point (again!) in the system, but I fell much more in control of the fuel than when they were "1 big tank in 2 wings".
Recently, I added a 3 gal header tank. It is positive pressure feed with airspeed helping gravity fed from the main tank(s). I tried to run the tank without a vent, and found that the header will only fill to about 1.2 capacity. I put a vent with shut off on it and open the vent only to fill the header (via the wing tank) then close the vent for normal flight. Otherwise, the fuel will all flow out of the vent. I was able to ground test this to residual fuel remaining in the lines, and have air tested to about 11/2 usg remaining. I am very comfortable with this system. I am ecstatic with know when I have 3 gals or less remaining, as the header tank is clear and I can see it! Without it, I didn't know how much gas was remaining with anything less than 5 usg. aside from timing, which of course is faith.
larry
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aaaron(at)tvp.com.au
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| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:04 am Post subject: fuel, header tank, etc |
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Larry
Can you tell me where and how you mounted the header. What sort of tank is it?
Thank you.
Allan
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pwmac(at)sisna.com
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| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:31 am Post subject: fuel, header tank, etc |
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The reason theeh Kitfox header/collector tank vent goes to the main
fuel tank instead of to atmosphere is with unusual attitudes the tank
will be higher than the outlet of the vent and fuel spillage will
occur. The trick is to make sure this vent line if free flowing (not
restricted).
Paul
=============
At 06:11 AM 9/11/2006, you wrote:
| Quote: | I have an Avid with the standard 2 wing tanks. I had always
been uncomfortable with one tank being able to siphon all the fuel
out so I installed shut off valves in each tank. I know that I am
know the weak point (again!) in the system, but I fell much more in
control of the fuel than when they were "1 big tank in 2 wings".
Recently, I added a 3 gal header tank. It is positive pressure
feed with airspeed helping gravity fed from the main tank(s). I
tried to run the tank without a vent, and found that the header
will only fill to about 1.2 capacity. I put a vent with shut off
on it and open the vent only to fill the header (via the wing tank)
then close the vent for normal flight. Otherwise, the fuel will
all flow out of the vent. I was able to ground test this to
residual fuel remaining in the lines, and have air tested to about
11/2 usg remaining. I am very comfortable with this system. I am
ecstatic with know when I have 3 gals or less remaining, as the
header tank is clear and I can see it! Without it, I didn't know
how much gas was remaining with anything less than 5 usg. aside
from timing, which of course is faith.
larry
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smokey_bear_40220(at)yaho
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| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:26 am Post subject: fuel, header tank, etc |
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A few alternatives to consider for tank control:
- Check valves instead of shutoffs in the fuel lines
to the header. Less chance of cutting all your own
fuel off, but no transfer.
- A shutoff valve only on the left tank. It would
prevent transfer, but not allow you to takeoff with 2
tanks shutoff. Still doesn't allow you to balance in
both directions.
- A simple clamp to put on either hose if you need to
stop a transfer. Depends upon the hoses you use as to
their worth, but an easy solution.
Just some other options...
Kurt S. S-5
__________________________________________________
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CrownLJ(at)verizon.net
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| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:39 pm Post subject: fuel, header tank, etc |
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Allan,
I used a polypropylene tank from a weed sprayer, and fitted rubber
bushing/gas fittings as sold in ultralight or recreation sport stores. I
hung it behind the seat from the tubing that is between the seat and the
baggage compartment of the Avid. I simply used large screw clamps (2) to
wrap around the tank and fuselage tubing to hold it. I did have to put a
large rubber stopper in the place of the screw top of that the tank
originally had. It was very simple and a great addition!
I might be able to get pictures latter if you would like them.
larry
...Can you tell me where and how you mounted the header. What sort of tank
is it?
Thank you.
Allan
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