Hi
I had a very similar experience following the annual on my Europa. On
investigation a short longitudinal split was found on the fuel pipe that
pushed onto the filter. (one of the poor quality cotton braided type)
Here are my thoughts on what had happened:
Like you I was doing circuits and it was several circuits in before the
problem occurred, so why did it start to happen?
I believe that air was being drawn in though the split. Before the "how
did air get in if fuel didn't leak out brigade start" this could happen
due to the nett positive suction head on the pump. Ie as fuel is used in
the tank the head available on the pump is going down as the fuel is
consumed. Therefore slightly more suction is required. At some point it
could become easier for air to be pulled through the leak than fuel from
the tank. This would give the effect that you describe.
This further fitted my event as, when I reduced power, the engine
running cleared up. So again as fuel demand was reduced, less suction
required, no air drawn.
I too thankfully made a successful landing on alternate runway. I cured
the leak and the problem did not recur in 150 hours subsequent flying.
In conclusion, I would advise that you check for any (slight) leaks on
the suction side of the pump.
Hope this helps.
Roly Robinson
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete
Lawless
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Unnerving experience
Hi
This sound not unusual for a new aeroplane we had a similar problem at
about 8 hours from new. I have also seen the same problem on another
Europa Classic just after initial permit issue. I have a Classic (109)
and had repeated problems with the filters in the first few hours. I
suspect the inlet pipe, which appears to exude brown goo for the first
few hours. Just keep checking and cleaning the filters on a regular
basis. My aeroplane has 130 hours on now and I still reckon to clean
the filter about every 10 hours.
Regards
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Peter Rees
Subject: Europa-List: Unnerving experience
--> <peter.rees05@ntlworld.com>
When a co-owner of G-MFHI was out with an instructor last weekend, on
climbout from a successful touch and go, the engine started 'surging' -
repeatedly running roughly then not. A maday call was made and a
successful
landing on an alternate runway was executed.
When the cowl was removed and a transparent piece of pipe put into the
fuel
line, approximately 30-50% gas could be seen - it could not be
determined if
this was air being drawn in or fuel vapour. When the reserve tank was
selected, the gas was seen to disappear and the fuel pump ran
considerably
easier.
My problem is that when I went to Rochester today, I couldn't repeat the
symptoms - the pump ran fine from both tanks with little if any bubbles.
The
flow rate from the main tank was considerably less (approx 40l/hr as
opposed
to 60l/hr from the reserve) - replacing the element in the main tank
filter
eliminated the difference.
The aircraft was operating on Mogas, the filter units are the glass type
with metal end caps with a plastic element. The filter element looks to
have
quite a lot of fibrous strands in.
My questions are:
1) Has anyone experienced anything like this in the past - if so,
did
you get to the root of the problem?
2) There seems to be a thin layer of brown 'stuff' on the wall of
the
fuel tank - any idea what this could be?
3) Are these the best filter elements to use - there seem to be
more
routes for air to get in that a sealed unit.
Sorry for such a long message but as you can understand, following the
accident at Kemble, it was something of an unnerving experience for the
pilot (and instructor) involved and we really want to find the cause,
not
just a case of we think we've found it.
Peter
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