JRatcli256(at)aol.com
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 Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:02 pm Post subject: Follow-up on Gas Tank Study |
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Hi Gang,
Thanks to all for the responses.
Although I didn't say so in my initial post - I did an archive search on gas tanks and concluded that an aluminum tank similar to Johns, Rex , etc., was the preferred method and design. Single tank, fuel sender, more fuel, bottom pickup with gascolator.
Looking at the pictures - you guys sure do some nice work.
Richard P. - You must really know your fiberglass. Really smooth job.
John B. - Great job. Noticed the windshield frame tubes are missing. Is that a Mark 3 classic frame?
Being somewhat over my initial budget and still wanting the moon, I came across some gas cans that can be used in the Mark 3x that I plan to use. For three (at) $8.00 each (allowing 19.5 gal. total fuel) and no removal of the side tubes on the cage to make them fit, I feel the price is right in comparison to $200 - 300 or more for an aluminum tank. Can't weld or bend aluminum and fiberglass a bit expensive also.
The tanks I found are 6.5 gal. each. Three to five can be installed in the cage depending on how they are arranged. All can be installed or removed thru the side of the cage very easily when empty (and three when full if your strong enough, which I'm not). They weigh about 40# each when full and you are bent down under the wing. My son brought that up as I was proudly showing him my accomplishment. Funny how kids seem to get smarter as they get older / and I get dumber.
What I'm trying to determine is - at what angle fore and aft and side to side to mount them to get the most useable fuel in any anticipated flight regime (max. angles of climb, approach with flaps, and banks left/right.
After a week, I think I've worked it out (again), but trying to anticipate before I fabricate. Any additional input would be appreciated.
For those interested:
The tanks are manufactured by "Blitz" and in my area, available only at Home Depot.
They are called 6+ Gas Cans and are the same thickness as the TNK original tanks. But Red in color - not clear. And hold 6.5 gal. each. You can see what they look like at http://www.blitzusa.com/fuelcanda.htm
Physical size is 8.5 x 14.25 x 18.5 inches.
They can be installed/removed thru the side or behind the passenger seat.
The fore & aft structural tube supporting the center back of the cockpit (3/8 x .035) and the fuel tank bracketing tubes (1/4 x .035) have to be removed, and new tubes installed to support the new tanks. Especially the 3/8 x .035 center back support tube.
I plan on leaving mine in the plane and fueling from outside per John H. hose, with the option available to remove the tanks if absolutely necessary in the field.
Disadvantages are same as original tanks and not clear (Can't see fuel quantity). Although far from perfect I plan on using the Fuelman flow meter and keeping track of flight time on EIS.
Still playing with ideas on easier fueling locations/options. I'm in the 2.5 gal lifting category John H. spoke of. Any Ideas along that line would be appreciated also.
Have been thinking about a fuel fill manifold with a single fill location somewhere accessible with the wing unfolded. Maybe I'm just dreaming. Still wanting the moon on a beer budget.
Will post pictures when I have everything worked out.
Thanks again all.
John Ratcliffe
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