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  #1  
Old 11-03-2015, 06:55 AM
jhk770 jhk770 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Morristown, NJ
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Default RV-7A fuel tank dipstick

Since there isn't any "tabs" or "rings" in the RV fuel tanks. Does anybody have the measurements to make a dip stick or a conversion table for a universal fuel tank dip stick for a RV7A that they can send me? I would like to be more precise with how much fuel I have in my tanks rather than just "eye balling" it.

Thanks,

Jim
RV7A
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  #2  
Old 11-03-2015, 07:07 AM
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scrollF4 scrollF4 is offline
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I built my own using 3/4" square x 10" dowels. I emptied a tank, then poured 2 gallons in at a time, dipped the tank, and marked the lines with black sharpee. Did this all the way to the 20 gallon point. Once the marks were done, I sawed a scribe line into each mark. Once it was done, I checked it against my other tank, 2 gallons at a time. They are VERY precise because they're calibrated to my RV-7A's tanks.

I made 2 of these: One for the hangar and one for my XC bag. Easy project.
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  #3  
Old 11-03-2015, 07:22 AM
Far North Texan Far North Texan is offline
 
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Location: Alberta
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What we did, and its not real fancy, is get one of those wooden paint stirring paddles from the hardware store. Start with empty tanks, pour in a known amount of fuel, dip and mark the stick. We did 5 gallon increments.

You could also get some clear tube, like a big straw, but either way, I would suggest making one for your specific plane and even each tank.
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  #4  
Old 11-03-2015, 07:26 AM
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LettersFromFlyoverCountry LettersFromFlyoverCountry is offline
 
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http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...hawkuniv11.php

Simple. $9. I can send you the measurements per gallon if you want.
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Old 11-03-2015, 07:47 AM
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Location: Estes Park, CO
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Default Measurement

Quote:
Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry View Post
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...hawkuniv11.php

Simple. $9. I can send you the measurements per gallon if you want.
Bob
I would like them please. E-mail below. Thx
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  #6  
Old 11-03-2015, 08:20 AM
jhk770 jhk770 is offline
 
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That would be great if you could send me the measurements.
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  #7  
Old 11-03-2015, 08:31 AM
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LettersFromFlyoverCountry LettersFromFlyoverCountry is offline
 
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I'll stop by the hangar tonight and get them and post them here.
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  #8  
Old 11-03-2015, 09:10 AM
cajunwings cajunwings is offline
 
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Default Dipsticks

Just did this on a 9A & a 6A. Both planes had did different measurements for left & right tanks. Dipsticks fabbed from 1" wide strip of .032 alum and are stamped "L" on one side "R" on the other. I marked off 4 gallon increments to approximate 1/2 hr Flt time at lean cruise. Automatic center punch makes decent "engraving" tool for lines and letters. Didn't do this but a vertical row of drilled #40 holes with close spacing would hold the fuel level long enough to read it.


Don B

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Old 11-03-2015, 10:24 AM
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How much fuel is there in an RV-7 tank when the fuel shows up under the filler?
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  #10  
Old 11-03-2015, 11:45 AM
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rzbill rzbill is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by longranger View Post
How much fuel is there in an RV-7 tank when the fuel shows up under the filler?
Miles,
On my 7A, I have been using 8 gallons as the value for when the fuel just touches the bottom of the outboard external rib of the tank. I welcome any corrections to this since I did the measurement a long time ago and I don't think I noted it anywhere. Of course, it should be different for a tail dragger since the tank orientation is different while on the ground. (I would guess a lesser value).
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