europa-list
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Europa-List: First Fueling

Subject: Re: Europa-List: First Fueling
From: Fred Klein <fklein@orcasonline.com>
Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2015 07:55:33
Budyou wrote:
> 
> Gascolators do not prime well.  I would check for an air leak.  
Andairs are well made and pull a vacuum.  The standard diaphragm pump 
does not pull air well enough for some brands. 

        Budnow we begin to descend down the rabbit hole of the 
testing and operational phase of a one-off, non-standard engine 
installation...recall that my engine is MPEFI=99edmy two 
(in parallel) fuel pumps are hi-pressure type and (apparently) do not 
have the ability to =9Csuck=9D fuel on the input side..

> If it won't prime the engine with 2.5 gallons on the ground, will it 
do it in the air?

        An excellent questionfor which prudence requires an 
answer =9Con the ground=9D.
> 
> Ground Test war story:  Ran the main dry, flipped to aux and it would 
not self prime without more head pressure.  Could not find a leak but 
the gascolator was installed slightly above tank bottom level.  With 10 
gallons it would prime.  It was a trigear.  I know they have used 
gascolators in a/c for ever, but they should be the lowest point in the 
system.  That is, the bowl outside, below the belly.

        With my mono resting on the LG & tail wheel, I=99m 
preparing a diagram with measured elevations of the various points in 
the fuel system starting from the tank outlet to the hi-pressure fuel 
pump outletsHowever, by eye, it is apparent that the high point 
in the system is the selector-valve-main-tank-outlet(selector 
valve having been installed as per manual). At this stage of the game, I 
have concerns that if main tank runs dry to exhaustion and I move 
selector to reserve, will fuel continue to flow?
> 
> That is why I don't use them and won't install one.  To easy to screw 
up.  Besides, water does not condense in the tanks and filters work as 
well. 

        I=99ve been unaware of your thoughts on gascolators
I confess to have one solely because of the frequent mention of them on 
this list and their apparent widespread use.

> Most experimental takeoff accidents are fuel and engine related. 

        I am indeed aware of that fact.

> Make them flawless then test for fuel exhaustion, on one side then 
switch and hopefully keep running.

        Exactly my intention...
> 
> Clean your fuel lines before hooking to the engine.  A common 
assumption is the filter missed some dirt/ debris and the gascolators 
just prior to the engine caught it.  Flush and flush again.

        And what do you recommend for a cleaning agent?
> 
> My two cents.

        Grossly undervaluedyour knowledge is priceless

        Many thanks,

        Fred

PS: A local A&P recommends adding a Facet pump to ensure that fuel gets 
to my hi-pressure pumpsmy engine builder recommends bleeding 
the lines just upstream of the hi-pressure pumpsfor the moment, 
I=99m looking for simplicity and reliability.


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>