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  #21  
Old 12-08-2010, 08:59 PM
awilson awilson is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 19
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flytoboat View Post
If you keep the ball centered, the tanks don't know (or care) if they are banked or not...
True but in this case you would have to be perfectly balanced otherwise it will move. I still think it should be considered or is worth further investigation to be sure.
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  #22  
Old 12-08-2010, 10:10 PM
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RDOG RDOG is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Propwash Airport (16X), Texas
Posts: 136
Default full until it is empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by awilson View Post
True but in this case you would have to be perfectly balanced otherwise it will move. I still think it should be considered or is worth further investigation to be sure.
With the tank in the picture it is full until it is empty. The tank is pumped into the main tank when the main tank is at about 10 gallons. When we hit 10 gallons we switch on the transfer pump for about 10 min. all the fuel goes into the 20 gal tank and we confirm transfer by watching the float gage go to 16 gallons. Then add 6 gallons to the totalizer and press on with current info. The aux tank is empty so no sloshing. It works really well and remember this tank is removable so it can be used as a gas can at an out airport. Take it with you in the airport car get 6 gal at a local gas station an in about 2 min it can be reinstalled in the airplane or just transfer it into the main and do it again until the airplane is full. This system works quite well and we don't have to use 100LL.

Colin
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  #23  
Old 12-10-2010, 08:04 AM
sportkid sportkid is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Garland, Texas
Posts: 60
Default Solution...

Am researching air to air refueling.
Will let you know how that works out.
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  #24  
Old 12-10-2010, 04:50 PM
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Bill_H Bill_H is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Marshall TX (KASL)
Posts: 1,783
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Colin and John (N1212K) - Great info. Where is the pump? Where do you plumb the output from the pump to the main tank? Do you use an accessory plug as the power source (I still call it a cigarette lighter plug) or something else? Switch location? Are those quick-connect fittings? Get much leakage when you disconnect them? More details please!
Thanks
Bill H N412BR, tail complete, and wings almost complete
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  #25  
Old 12-10-2010, 09:22 PM
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RDOG RDOG is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Propwash Airport (16X), Texas
Posts: 136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill_H View Post
Colin and John (N1212K) - Great info. Where is the pump? Where do you plumb the output from the pump to the main tank? Do you use an accessory plug as the power source (I still call it a cigarette lighter plug) or something else? Switch location? Are those quick-connect fittings? Get much leakage when you disconnect them? More details please!
Thanks
Bill H N412BR, tail complete, and wings almost complete
Hi Bill,
The pump is mounted on the front left bolt for the main tank. A switched power port from Radio Shack powers the pump. The tank vent is just like the static port but is mounted in the inspection panel under the main spar. Yes they are quick connect fittings form Aero Cabelas. If fuel is in the line you get a drop or two but if you pump the tank dry we get no leakage when we disconnect. We are in the testing phase now and when we are pleased with all the parts we will put more out about the tank.
Colin
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  #26  
Old 12-10-2010, 11:34 PM
eldercaddy eldercaddy is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 6
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Yeah, definitely awilson .
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  #27  
Old 12-11-2010, 06:35 PM
rgmwa rgmwa is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 1,647
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportkid View Post
Am researching air to air refueling.
Will let you know how that works out.
There's a ready made probe in the spinner that would be perfect for the job
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rgmwa
RV-12LR 912ULS
120346
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  #28  
Old 12-24-2010, 10:21 AM
Ken Herchuck Ken Herchuck is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 22
Default Extra Fuel

Wing tanks on a RV12 sound wrong to me. As mentioned about the design factor into the aircraft originally. If you want wing tanks get a S-19.

The extra tank is an interesting idea, especially if you are running MoGas only. I know a local man who checks his MoGas for water content and alcohol content every fill up. Not to say there isnt a quality standard for LL.

I am on the fence about MoGas vs LL in this plane. I know Rotax warns of lead buildup, and some I have spoken to are not concerned about the minor build up. Some run strictly LL. For availabiltiy. Of course this may be in the same discussion as to primer the inside surfaces or not.

I know looking at my local airports, MoGas is not an option, and if you plan a long cross country, say Pittsburgh, PA to Imperial, NE....and you are running MoGas, you could be in for some interesting pre planning.

I do agree, however, that 3 hours in the air, is about the right time to land, get out and get refreshed. Its not a Mooney doing 230 after all. With the fuel capacity on board, and the 4.5 to 5 GPH usage, 20 Gals would be enough to get you to the first fuel stop with a good reserve, and room for headwinds or unexpected diversions.
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  #29  
Old 12-24-2010, 12:49 PM
E. D. Eliot E. D. Eliot is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Pedro
Posts: 1,013
Default Larger tank?

This certainly is a good solution to those of us who want more fuel. I may even go this way.

Why not design and build a 25 gallon tank to replace the 'stock' one? It could have whatever fuel gauge sending device we like, no sight window, and have a larger capacity without affecting the w&b too much. Simpler and would be installed after the test phase if finished.

Maybe Van's could offer this as an option.
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  #30  
Old 12-24-2010, 01:07 PM
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frankh frankh is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Corvallis Oregon
Posts: 3,547
Default Same holds true for the Lycomings

Quote:
Originally Posted by RDOG View Post
It's not all about range. It's about premium mogas. The tank allows us to fly out for two hours and back for two hours and not worry about fuel. Yes we can use 100ll but we want to keep the lead out of the engine and gearbox. $3.00 mogas is better than $4.50 100ll. I know it is not much but it adds up in the long run. We also save in that we can do 50 hour oil changes by running mogas whereas if we run 100ll a lot we must do 25 hr oil changes. I can't believe I am going to say this but, we are trying to operate this wonderful airplane green. How's that for ya. The RV12 is a green vehicle if you run mogas. Remember the tank comes out in about 30 seconds. If you don't need it don't take it. I do love having the option. Have some fun out there.
Colin
The Lycs of don't differentiate oil change time based on leaded gas or not, but I do notice my oil is less dark on mogas than it is on 100LL so I tend to opt for 50 hour changes on 100ll.

I too have a hard time burning 100LL for environmental reasons, it just bugs me that I'm puking lead into the atmosphere when there is no reason to be doing so.

Frank
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