The LAA was averse to the idea of discharging the fuel return to the
bottom
of the tank on the basis that, if fuel lines firewall-forward were
ruptured
in an accident or engine fire, then there would be the possibility of
fuel
siphoning from the tank via the fuel return line, This makes sense,
although
mitigation of that possibility could be to place the vent line
restrictor
behind the firewall. Or arrange for the addition of a non-return valve
at
the same location.
Duncan McF.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Raimo
Toivio
Sent: 26 April 2012 19:11
Subject: Europa-List: Fuel Return Line
All,
We have a fuel selector valve in fuel line. We try to remember to close
it
before a possible emergency landing. Some pilots close it always when
not
flying and some people close it only during a long storage time.
There is also a fuel return line. That is connected to the tank bottom
(starboard side /reserve side) if built as per a BM (issue 6, page 6-3).
I have two guestions:
1) would it be wise to have a 2nd fuel valve in a fuel return line also
to
get an ability to close it or one-way-valve in the case of emergency?
2) why this line is connected to the fuel outlet which locates in the
bottom
of the tank? Why not to the upper corner of the (reserve side) tank?
BTW: During this winter I changed all the rubber parts under the cowling
(oh
boy there are really many of them!). I noticed the fuel restrictor
(FS02)
was totally blocked. It was quite hard to open it. I assume it has maybe
been blocked since almost new because I had during those days (2007) an
issue with a fuel contamination and suffered a scary engine stoppage
because
of a totally blocked filter during a flight # 7. It was good to have a
2nd
filter and way to use it by selecting "RES".
So, I have noticed no problems to use my engine with return line which
is
off-line. There are also many Rotax aplications with no plans for return
lines in use. What is a main reason we should have a fuel return line?
To
get more fresh cool fuel or what?
Cheers, Raimo
OH-XRT
Finland
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