Fuel Issues

[ShannonEvans]

Was flying the RV3 last week when the engine began to sputter badly. Landed the plane & did a few run ups & it seemed ok. First thought was carb ice, but decided to check fuel screens & lines. Electric fuel pump plugged with varnished gas & junk. Put on new pump & flushed lines & checked screens, all good. Flew yesterday & much improved but still seems to miss a little. Question is can the mechanical fuel pump get week over time, or does it just suddenly go bad. Plan on putting new mechanical pump on to see if that solves issue, but would like some other opinions. These issues started suddenly. It really seems like a fuel issue & it mostly happens on take off at full power (yes there is fuel in the tanks).

Any Thoughts?
Shannon Evans

 

[flyinga]

Since you found **** in your electric pump it is possible that one or more of the valves in the mechanical pump also has the same problem. I'd try changing the mechanical pump or at least taking it apart and cleaning it.

 

[Kahuna]

Question is can the mechanical fuel pump get week over time, or does it just suddenly go bad.

Any Thoughts?
Shannon Evans

It can and does do both.

 

[gasman]

What does your fuel pressure gauge read during the issue?

 

[pierre smith]

Shannon, are the tanks sloshed by any chance?

Best,

 

[ShannonEvans]

I wondered about sloshed tanks, but I am not sure if they were or not. Will see if anything in logs

 

[pierre smith]

The sloshing compound was usually white in color, and you should be able to take a flashlight and look inside.

There are quite a few posts here regarding slosh...search for them.

Best,