Roland, If the split fuel line allowed air in I am surprised that it did not
let a tank full of fuel out and make itself obvious beforehand. David
----- Original Message -----
From: Roland Robinson@tiscali.co.uk <roland.robinson@tiscali.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Fuel Outlet Rubber Hose Replacement
<roland.robinson@tiscali.co.uk>
>
> I had a recent bad experience with a Europa just after take-off that I
> eventually traced to what I believe is an original fuel line supplied by
the
> factory. I had completed the annual inspection, which obviously included
> removing and cleaning the fuel filters, I flight tested the plane (at full
> all up weight) and flew for a couple more hours with no problems, then I
set
> out for some circuits (I am low hours on type) - first circuit no problem,
> second circuit just after take-off engine started to run rough, it felt
> almost as if it were on two cylinders. I closed the throttle and looked at
> getting it back on the runway (I operate from Kemble that has a V long
> runway) but was too late. I was picking my field when my friend flying
with
> me suggested trying the throttle again I did and the engine responded -
for
> a while and then ran rough again. We repeated this for a few times and
> gained enough height to make the cross runway. When we finally got the
Pan
> call in the engine of course ran fine on reduced throttle. On landing and
> carrying out some power checks the only discrepancy we could find was a
> approx 200rpm loss in max revs.
>
> Many checks followed dirt in the tank, float bowls, drained tanks,
boroscope
> in tank, check filters again!!- nothing. However when replacing the
filters
> we noticed that there was a short split in the fuel line. In its dark and
> dingy corner under the seat this was not easy to spot. The lines were
> replaced, fuel pressure gauges added and we gingerly went for a test
flight.
> The problem has not recurred.
>
> Why did the problem not occur immediately - here is my theory. I started
the
> test and subsequent flights with full tanks. As the fuel level dropped the
> suction head on the pump reduced and the pump eventually drew air from the
> split in the pipe. (I have since run with less fuel than I normally would
to
> test that this would not happen again). The engine recovered as the
> throttle was closed as the fuel demand reduced the pump demand reduced.
>
> Any other theories out there??
>
> Roly Robinson G-CHAV (Now at Gloucester)
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Brian Davies" <bdavies@dircon.co.uk>
> To: <europa-list@matronics.com>
> Subject: Re: Europa-List: Fuel Outlet Rubber Hose Replacement
>
>
> >
> > Europa have changed the hose it supplies, because of poor experience
with
> > the existing. The type provided with my kit was quite thin and flexible
> and
> > cloth braided on the outside. I consulted some auto repair mates and
they
> > said they would not fit it on a car because it would start leaking after
a
> > couple of years.
> > The stuff Europa supplied with the fuel drain mod kit was clearly
> superior.
> > I suggest you check with the factory on the spec of the hose they are
now
> > supplying or replace with good quality auto hose.
> >
> > Brian Davies kit 454
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Tony Renshaw" <tonyrenshaw@ozemail.com.au>
> > To: <europa-list@matronics.com>
> > Subject: Europa-List: Fuel Outlet Rubber Hose Replacement
> >
> >
> > <tonyrenshaw@ozemail.com.au>
> > >
> > > Gidday,
> > > I am wondering if the Europa supplied hose is adaquate for this task,
as
> > > mine appears to gape around the reinforcement at the outer edge of the
> > hose
> > > clamp. This may well be normal, but it makes me wonder whether there
is
> a
> > > better quality hose available. Any assistance will certainly be
> > appreciated.
> > > Reg
> > > Tony Renshaw
> > > Sydney Australia
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
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