Fuel quick-drain lock DIY

[flyboy1963]

nice part of a low-wing, easy to add fuel.
BAD part, easy to remove fuel!

I drained about 10 gallons by wedging a plastic jug with long spout, under my drain sump.

...now it would appears someone else has mastered the same technique....as I'm short pretty much a jug full!

There are commercial locks...and how do you make one that is tamper RESISTANT, but they won't get aggressive and wreck things trying to get it off?

well, this might keep the honest thieves out ( I'm thinking low-life pilots, fuellers, or whatever punks have a use for leaded hi-test????)



too small a lock, you can't slip it on...too big, it slips OFF. This little sleeve, and the safety wire make a decent fit...bit I'm sure with a concerted effort, it would pop off ( I hope) sparing actual tank damage.

oh, and then they head for the caps, where you might get all KINDS of contamination...so I'd rather they stole from the drains.
well....I rather they...well.....you know....!

[SMRacer]

We don't have those problems south of the border.

[roadrunner20]

Originally Posted by SMRacer

We don't have those problems south of the border.

Yes And bigger planes with bigger fuel tanks.
On your picture, can someone get a wrench behind the lock to take off the quick drain?

[flyboy1963]

probably Dan, but that would remove the convenience of the 'hit and run' technique.
these guys jam the jug under the spring plunger....leave...then retrieve it later, we think, so removing the plug would make is much less, ummm, convenient? to drain anonymously. Perhaps they don't pack tools?
anyway, as I said, a concerted twist and tug, and it's off....but keep the honest thieves away!

[plehrke]

Can you use/mod an Aerolock throttle lock (fourth down on page) to keep from getting jug under the quick drain or maybe better lock the collar.

[moosepileit]

Sounds uncommon and dumb, how about just get the degenerate arrested? Fences and recorded cameras an option?

[dtw_rv6]

Maybe you just need an appropriate placard next to each drain:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...WE5QW1CS3FHUEk

Don

[bobnoffs]

i think i agree with improving the environment. when he can't get anything out what will he put in?

[Bob Martin]

Sounds like a good reason to have a hangar!

Honestly though it is a sad situation. Almost any damage costs more than the fuel, but theft is theft. Play this situation out and you can't win. If you make the thieves mad, they could just poke a hole in the tank, etc. Pour sugar in the tank etc. Seems like finding the thieves is best. But best to not tell the public about how easy it is to steal or there will be copy cats.

FYI...a siphon hose thru the cap to a 5 gallon jug on the ground will work just as well as the drain....
I keep coming back to the Hangar........

[Weasel]

Just a thought