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  #11  
Old 08-11-2008, 08:00 PM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
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On my 7A, when I look thru the filler hole and can see the fuel splashing on top of the bottom stiffener, I have about 10 gals. When you figure the angle of the 21 gal fuel tank, it's about right. Any variation from that spot, I do the math.
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  #12  
Old 08-11-2008, 08:08 PM
JHines JHines is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rock Hill, SC
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There is a product called a "fuelhawk", an acrylic tube with markings on the side. They make a "generic" version that you can calibrate to your tanks. Nice and easy to read.
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Charlotte, NC
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  #13  
Old 08-11-2008, 08:17 PM
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bhester bhester is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hopkinsville, KY
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Default Fuelhawk is the way to go!

I've have been using a Fuelhawk from day one!

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...kfuelgauge.php

UNIV FUELHAWK FUEL GAUGE 11" 13-00439 $11.95

It will measure fuel in my 7a from 6 gal to full I use it before each flight to set the fuel onboard in my fuel computer.
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  #14  
Old 08-11-2008, 09:05 PM
63scrounger 63scrounger is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 24
Smile "Stick" with the original question!

What I suggest is a common paint stir stick given away for free with the purchase of any house paint from any house paint retailer or big box store.

The wood choosen to make paint stir sticks does not shed slivers very easily. Therefor you will not be contaminating your gas with flaking paint or wood slivers/chips. I don't know what sort of wood it is...I'm guessing...bass wood?

Other advantages: Lightweight, slim, fits in your pocket, fits in airplane side pockets and map boxes, already sanded smooth, easy to notch for calibration, no need for ink that will run/fade with time, and it's free!
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  #15  
Old 08-11-2008, 09:52 PM
RScott RScott is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Estacada, OR
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I also use just a 1/4" dowel on my Interstate. Drained the system when it was low, had the gas station fill my jugs with 3 gallons each (impressed with how hard they tried to get exactly 3 gallons) and marked the stick as I poured in each jug. Works great. Cheap, lightweight.
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  #16  
Old 08-12-2008, 02:12 AM
Dave Cogan Dave Cogan is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Thanks everyone
Down this end of the world people always use an 11 inch bit of wood that has had grooves every 10 litres or so marked on the stick.

Every plane has one made up with the aircraft's callsign on it.

Broom handles have soft wood down in New Zealand and when you dip it it to the fuel the fuel bleeds along the wood and shows a higher level.

I do like the plastic ones mentioned from Aircraft Spruce only they are in US Gals and we are Lirtres and they have them made for Cessna 150, 152 etc.
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  #17  
Old 08-12-2008, 08:45 AM
JHines JHines is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rock Hill, SC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Cogan View Post
Thanks everyone
<SNIP>
I do like the plastic ones mentioned from Aircraft Spruce only they are in US Gals and we are Lirtres and they have them made for Cessna 150, 152 etc.
Dave, I believe the Fuelhawk does have a "universal" model which is marked in numbers only, i.e. 1-20 with no units of volume. Should be able to use it with liters as well.
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Charlotte, NC
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  #18  
Old 08-12-2008, 09:59 AM
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jetjok jetjok is offline
 
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Location: Sutter Creek, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scard View Post
Call me fuel tight, but I generally don't have much use for departing with less fuel than I can see in the outside bay in the tank, hence no need for a stick.
My RV carries 56 gal of fuel, hence I fly with a reduced fuel load in the tank on most occasions. I have a stick!
I used a very scientific approach to contructing my stick. Obtaining my supplies from a reputable purveyor of quality materials. The paint dept at Home Depot for a free stir stick!
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  #19  
Old 08-13-2008, 01:35 AM
gasman gasman is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sonoma County
Posts: 3,821
Default OAK....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Cogan View Post
I am looking for thoughts on the type of wood people use when making a wooden dip stick for measuring the amount of gas in the tank of my RV7.

Pine wood is too porous and the fuel bleeds along the wood.

I tried some type of hardwood and it's almost as bad.

Any ideas?
I used a piece of oak trim and marked it with a SHARPIE at every gallon. Drilled the end and ran a loop of pull tie through it. I stick my finger through the loop before checking the fuel level. I know within 1/2 gallon what I have in fuel.
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  #20  
Old 08-13-2008, 02:34 AM
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gmcjetpilot gmcjetpilot is offline
 
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Default aerospace fuel level insertion test wand device

For my aerospace fuel level insertion test wand device

I use a wood dowel, they sell at the hardware or home depot/ Don't know what wood type but there is no issue drip-dribble issue. I put some "calibrated notches" on it now. It's now accurate with in a fortnight furlong plus or minus a nats badonkadonk.
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