SeanB
Well Known Member
I am the proud owner of a Smoke System Helper kit produced by Marvin Homsly. As many already know, this is a fine kit and Marvin provides excellent support.
During installation, I struggled with how to best route the large rubber fuel hose (used for smoke oil) from the tank behind the seat to the firewall. I researched VAF and saw a variety of approaches. I had hesitation creating two large holes in the carry thru spars. Marvin eventually suggested a much smaller hole in the spars and using a piece of 3/8” aluminum fuel tubing passing thru. The same rubber fuel hose could then be clamped on either side. In my mind, a much less invasive way to get through this area. I researched the Van’s published document https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/routing-wires-through-the-center-section-bulkheads/ identifying a proper location and drilled the holes in the spar webs. I was fairly happy with this solution, but remained curious of other possibilities.
I was fortunate to eventually begin conversations with Steve at Aircraft Specialty. Steve and Tom (TS Flightlines) have
partnered sometime in the past (I believe AS Flightlines). Knowing Tom’s excellent support from prior transactions....I very quickly learned Steve to also be very supportive and engaging in the process of creating a solution for my smoke system hoses. Steve jumped on this project and we began regular communication of fittings, routing, bend radius, etc.
All hoses are SS braided, Teflon lined, and finished with integral fire-sleeving. There are also laser etched data bands on each. Various configurations of SS fittings help get things just right. A quick disconnect from the flow valve is another nice option.
The end result is beyond my expectations! Can't imagine anything better than what Steve helped create. Really looking forward to using this system!
Steve was always super accommodating, patient with my learning curve and questions, and creative with solutions. Terrific support received throughout! Happy customer!
During installation, I struggled with how to best route the large rubber fuel hose (used for smoke oil) from the tank behind the seat to the firewall. I researched VAF and saw a variety of approaches. I had hesitation creating two large holes in the carry thru spars. Marvin eventually suggested a much smaller hole in the spars and using a piece of 3/8” aluminum fuel tubing passing thru. The same rubber fuel hose could then be clamped on either side. In my mind, a much less invasive way to get through this area. I researched the Van’s published document https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/routing-wires-through-the-center-section-bulkheads/ identifying a proper location and drilled the holes in the spar webs. I was fairly happy with this solution, but remained curious of other possibilities.
I was fortunate to eventually begin conversations with Steve at Aircraft Specialty. Steve and Tom (TS Flightlines) have
partnered sometime in the past (I believe AS Flightlines). Knowing Tom’s excellent support from prior transactions....I very quickly learned Steve to also be very supportive and engaging in the process of creating a solution for my smoke system hoses. Steve jumped on this project and we began regular communication of fittings, routing, bend radius, etc.
All hoses are SS braided, Teflon lined, and finished with integral fire-sleeving. There are also laser etched data bands on each. Various configurations of SS fittings help get things just right. A quick disconnect from the flow valve is another nice option.
The end result is beyond my expectations! Can't imagine anything better than what Steve helped create. Really looking forward to using this system!
Steve was always super accommodating, patient with my learning curve and questions, and creative with solutions. Terrific support received throughout! Happy customer!
Attachments
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hoses.JPG1 MB · Views: 291
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hoses2.JPG1.4 MB · Views: 272
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pump.JPG464.6 KB · Views: 266
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tank.JPG862 KB · Views: 253
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valve.JPG566.3 KB · Views: 261
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spar.JPG483.9 KB · Views: 268
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spars.JPG626.1 KB · Views: 266
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clearance.JPG461.7 KB · Views: 267
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hose1.JPG901.7 KB · Views: 266
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hose2.JPG868.3 KB · Views: 282
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