Fuel Tank options - Survey

jdmunzell · #1 03-07-2007, 07:10 AM

OK... reading the other post "Fuel Tank Hints" leads me to ask this now of everyone.

Who has installed the flop tube tube system and who has installed the regular fuel pick up? Next any known issues with either system, regrets on installing one system over the other? ..or satisfaction with what you installed?

Also, who has installed the fuel return lines during construction of the tanks, and who hasn't? Any regrets or otherwise?

Mel · #2 03-07-2007, 07:41 AM

Standard fuel pick-ups. No flop tubes. No return lines. Regular acro. No problems, no regrets in 14 years.

Jkkinz · #3 03-07-2007, 07:46 AM

Flop tubes in both tanks. It is a little more work with the antihang brackets and moving the fuel sender to the second bay but nothing to fuss about. Haven't got to the flying stage yet but looking forward to it.

Jim Kinsey
7A Fuselage

RV6_flyer · #4 03-07-2007, 08:04 AM

Flop tubes both tanks. NO fuel return.
(1/2 gallon UNUSABLE each tank)

First flight September 1997. 1,981 hobbs hours.

TShort · #5 03-07-2007, 08:08 AM

One flopper, one normal pickup.
Not flying yet, and don't plan on any inverted oil system. If my next RV is not a -10, I will probably skip the flopper - really not needed for positive G aerobatics, and there's the whole issue of service life / stiffening over time.

I installed returns to both tanks, a simple straight line into the second bay. Not much extra work, and they don't get in the way of anything. I don't know which FI system I'm going to use. If unused, they will be capped.

Thomas

Rick6a · #6 03-07-2007, 08:18 AM

Installed a flop in the left tank of the 6A. Would I do it again? No. It was a difficult installation on my 6A (see photo) and not needed for most acro unless you plan on staying inverted for awhile. I've frequently thought about the pickup end of the flop moving or vibrating about on the inside bottom of the fuel tank skin in normal flight. If I were to do it again (which I didn't on the -8 fuel tanks) I would bond a reinforcing doubler plate beneath it just to put my long term chafing concerns...real or imagined...to rest.

TSwezey · #7 03-07-2007, 08:24 AM

Wish I would have done the fuel return during the construction. Now , I have to add it after the fact. I would put a return fitting in. You can always cap it if you don't use it.

Robert M · #8 03-07-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

Standard fuel pick-ups. No flop tubes. No return lines.

Haven't done it yet but that's my plan too.

Ironflight · #9 03-07-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

Standard fuel pick-ups. No flop tubes. No return lines. Regular acro. No problems, no regrets.......

Mine is the same as Mel's....(without the 14 years of experience!)

grjtucson · #10 03-07-2007, 09:50 AM

- Standard pickups (Van's fancy ones with screens)
- Return lines plumbed nearly per http://www.rv8.ch/article.php?story=20040704204434728
- Vent fitting oriented for vent completely in wing root ala Rocket http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ead.php?t=5437
- Float senders
- Wings on rack still

I figured that unless you put in full inverted fuel and oil, that doing any part of it was a waste. I really don't like to fly 0 or negative g's for more than a couple of seconds anyway

Return lines will be capped if not used. They're AN5 since, apparently, the Andair stacked valve uses AN6 for the feeds and AN5 for the returns. Mine are also towards the top at the root and plumbed into the bottom of bay 2

The "Rocket" vent just looks slicker, easier, and equally effective to me.

George