RV-12 Gascolator

Peterk · #1 12-12-2009, 09:01 PM

Two of us early 12 fliers have had sudden psi fluctuations in our fuel pressure on the Dynon. Turns out, in these two cases it was trash on the gascolator screen from hastily cleaned out fuel tanks or not screening fuel before we sent it down the funnel. Yes we were told...by Van's and by friends. But like "get home Itis" there is "fly-your-project Itis". Lots of us use fuel that we pour in from gas cans which compounds the problem of course. So I've learned two things: screen everything (the Spruce funnel?) and clean, clean, clean that tank spic and span before filling. Actually, I've learned three things: the Dynon glass screen alerted me to the problem...the engine never sputtered...but it would have no doubt...thank you Dynon.

Tony_T · #2 12-12-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peterk

Turns out, in these two cases it was trash on the gascolator screen from hastily cleaned out fuel tanks or not screening fuel before we sent it down the funnel.......and clean, clean, clean that tank spic and span before filling.

Pete, so was it bits of fuel tank sealant on the screen?

How do you clean out the fuel tank?

Tony

Geico266 · #3 12-13-2009, 06:39 AM

Typically, the screens in the gasolator are only cleaned once a year at CI annual. It maybe be a good idea to clean the screen (spray can brake cleaner works good) at the first oil change of 20 - 25 hours to look for construction debris.

I cleaned my tank by adding a gallon of two of fuel and shaking it for 2-3 mins and letting the fuel drain out of the tank and screen the gas in a MR. Funnel. Repeat 2-3 times. until there is no debris in the funnel.

Good catch Pete.

rvbuilder2002 · #4 12-13-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geico266

I cleaned my tank by adding a gallon of two of fuel and shaking it for 2-3 mins and letting the fuel drain out of the tank and screen the gas in a MR. Funnel. Repeat 2-3 times. until there is no debris in the funnel.

Not a bad idea at all, but their can still be debris within the rest of the fuel system (from making the lines, etc.)
This why the production acceptance checklist has a procedure for flushing fuel through the majority of the system and then inspecting/cleaning the gascolator before the first flight.

rv9builder · #5 12-13-2009, 12:21 PM

Just curious, how do you take a fuel sample from the RV-12 tank before each flight? I didn't notice a drain under the fuselage when I saw the RV-12 prototype.

Peterk · #6 12-13-2009, 01:37 PM

There is a drain check on the bottom of the gascolator under the engine. I really think most of my "junk" was from not pouring my gas can product through a screen first. We'll see how things go now that I do. I think Larry's program is probably the way to go but Scott is right too...you have to clean the line as well.

D&M Dan · #7 12-07-2016, 06:16 PM

What tool is everyone using to sample fuel from their gasolator? I noticed this weekend when I tried to sample fuel the bowl is about 2" up under the lower cowling with the only access hole the small opening the overflow tube exits or by reaching in through the rear opening of the lower engine cowling by laying on my back. Am I missing something here?

JBPILOT · #8 12-07-2016, 06:48 PM

I built an extension for the sampler so it would reach high enough. Works well. Just pull it off and put in box beside sampler bowl.

alexe · #9 12-07-2016, 08:31 PM

D&M Dan,
I believe you have missed drilling the hole in the cowl directly beneath the gascolator. If I recall, it's about 1" in diameter, allowing you to put the sample tube up through the hole.

rvbuilder2002 · #10 12-07-2016, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexe

D&M Dan,
I believe you have missed drilling the hole in the cowl directly beneath the gascolator. If I recall, it's about 1" in diameter, allowing you to put the sample tube up through the hole.

Correct.
The hole is designed to provide for easy use of a fuel sample tube like THIS