Enlarging Fuel Line Brackets for 3/8" Return Line

[czechsix]

For those of you who have installed a 3/8" return line in your RV-14, how did you enlarge the upper slot in the UHMW fuel line brackets (F-01498A & B)? They come from Van's sized for 1/4" return lines but it looks like SDS and DeltaHawk installations are both using 3/8" return lines. I'm thinking it would work to screw the two halves together and then run the unibit in from each side to 3/8", then disassemble and enlarge the slots to match the hole, but thought I'd ask what others have found to work (or not work) to do this.

Thanks,

 

[dmattmul]

For those of you who have installed a 3/8" return line in your RV-14, how did you enlarge the upper slot in the UHMW fuel line brackets (F-01498A & B)? They come from Van's sized for 1/4" return lines but it looks like SDS and DeltaHawk installations are both using 3/8" return lines. I'm thinking it would work to screw the two halves together and then run the unibit in from each side to 3/8", then disassemble and enlarge the slots to match the hole, but thought I'd ask what others have found to work (or not work) to do this.

Thanks,

This is going back 6 years + but I'm pretty sure the return bung already installed in the QB tank VA-141was for a 3/8" return line. The vents where 1/4". Fuel line brackets F-01498 where for the supply lines and new brackets probably need to be added for the return lines.

 

[esco]

I stacked A & B brackets, then freehanded w/ a Dremel IOT to make the slight adjustment to align w/ original mounts.

 

[TS Flightlines]

For those of you who have installed a 3/8" return line in your RV-14, how did you enlarge the upper slot in the UHMW fuel line brackets (F-01498A & B)? They come from Van's sized for 1/4" return lines but it looks like SDS and DeltaHawk installations are both using 3/8" return lines. I'm thinking it would work to screw the two halves together and then run the unibit in from each side to 3/8", then disassemble and enlarge the slots to match the hole, but thought I'd ask what others have found to work (or not work) to do this.

Thanks,

We make the returns in 3/8 tube, and make our own version of the F01498A&B to accomodate the 2 3/8 tubes.
Tom

 

[czechsix]

We make the returns in 3/8 tube, and make our own version of the F01498A&B to accomodate the 2 3/8 tubes.
Tom

Do your fuel line brackets fit under the standard aluminum cover that is provided in the RV-14 kit, or does that need to be replaced/modified to make room for them?

 

[-135Driver]

Do your fuel line brackets fit under the standard aluminum cover that is provided in the RV-14 kit, or does that need to be replaced/modified to make room for them?

I have these in my -14. There’s no other modifications required. All that changes is the groove for the larger line is bigger to accommodate.

 

[Vegas Mike]

I put 1/4 return lines from the selector to the tanks so I didn't have to enlarge the brackets. 1/4 will flow 35 gal per hour @ 40 psi over the 24 inches of tube between the tanks and the valve.

 

[czechsix]

I put 1/4 return lines from the selector to the tanks so I didn't have to enlarge the brackets. 1/4 will flow 35 gal per hour @ 40 psi over the 24 inches of tube between the tanks and the valve.

What fuel system are you using?

 

[TASEsq]

I held both sides in a little wooden jig using #10 screws to ensure alignment (they get installed with #8 screws in #10 holes). Used a step drill to enlarge, then a flat file to take off the corners. I then used a round file and my vice as a filing guide. Don’t file too deep because the lines will contact the aluminium ribs.

You can see pics here:

31-02 -> 03: Installing Duplex Fuel Selector / Fuel Line Brackets

A Build Log detailing the build of a Vans RV-14

tasrv14.blogspot.com

 

[Vegas Mike]

What fuel system are you using?

SDS

 

[dmattmul]

I put 1/4 return lines from the selector to the tanks so I didn't have to enlarge the brackets. 1/4 will flow 35 gal per hour @ 40 psi over the 24 inches of tube between the tanks and the valve.

Andair makes a duplex fuel valve with 1/8 NPT return for 1/4 in lines. A little more back pressure probably won't hurt. The 14 tank QB tanks already have 3/8 bungs installed.

 

[Vegas Mike]

Andair makes a duplex fuel valve with 1/8 NPT return for 1/4 in lines. A little more back pressure probably won't hurt. The 14 tank QB tanks already have 3/8 bungs installed.

The wait from anair was forever so I ordered the duplex valve from vans. It doesn't come with with right fittings so I swapped some off the one that came with my fuse and made it work with some an4/ntp fittings. Looks good to me. I'll let you all know how it works out in about a month. However the calculations say that those 1/4 lines should flow just fine and worst case you build a little pressure which isn't exactly a bad thing haha