In a message dated 02/11/2000 04:12:52 GMT Standard Time,
fillinger@ameritech.net writes:
<< I have spoken to three other builders [ two here in Australia ] who have
had
> bad experiences with engine starvation. Not every one has had a forced
> landing but they are 'Spooked' by this problem.
> >>
I am surprised that a report I wrote in here in UK in April 1998 didn't get
wider circulation. It was copied to Europa, PFA, Rotax, and the Safety
Officer. I had four "starves" in a row. The first was half an hour into the
flight and entailed a forced landing out, luckily without damage, and a tow
back. The second two were during tests over the airfield after extensive
filter cleaning. Still not sure of the cause, two filters were fitted, the
second a car filter. Sure enough well into the flight it happened again and
switching over cured it.
This time I ran extensive ground tests with clear pipes to discover the
original filter was allowing an almost invisible stream of bubbles to
accumulate into a extending bubble near the mechanical pump which eventually
"gasped". A true time bomb phenomenon made more likely by the design of the
filter ends which can be assembled in a non-concentric manner. Fuel doesn't
leak out as there is no pressure but air gets sucked in when it runs.
The second filter fitted ( both now !) was car type, larger, thrown away at
overhaul, and accepted by our PFA..
Graham Clarke G-EMIN
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