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Ultrastar fuel tanks
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d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 2:00 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Does anybody know what the capacity is of the original standard fuel 

tank(s) on the Ultrastar?



				-Dana

--

  Never vote for a politician who has to borrow a gun to go duck hunting

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

The capacity of the orginal US tanks was 1 3/4 gal.  



I could not do much flying on the stock two each tanks.  Got Little Mike at Kolb to send me a third which I mounted above the engine for my reserve tank.  Gravity fed it into the two lower tanks.  Worked great.



Later on Kolb had some 6 gal tanks made that would fit in the place of the two gokart tanks.  That increased my fuel capacity to 7.75 gals.  



john h

mkIII

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:47 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 07:33 PM 11/25/2007, John Hauck wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  



The capacity of the orginal US tanks was 1 3/4 gal.



I could not do much flying on the stock two each tanks.  Got Little Mike 

at Kolb to send me a third which I mounted above the engine for my reserve 

tank.  Gravity fed it into the two lower tanks.  Worked great.



Later on Kolb had some 6 gal tanks made that would fit in the place of the 

two gokart tanks...


	


I likely will add a third tank as you describe... if it's 1.5 gallons then 

the total will still be the legally allowed 5 gallons.



OTOH... do you know if Kolb still has the 6 gallon tank you describe?  Was 

the mounting the same, or does the cage need to be modified?



Had a beautiful flight today, if chilly... good weather like this is rare 

this time of year in New England.



                                 -Dana

--

  If we wish to "restore" respect for the law, a good start would be to 

pass only laws that people will respect.

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:05 am Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

The little gokart tank is 1.75 gal as indicated in my previous post.



Doubt very seriously Kolb has the old US 6 gal tanks.



The six gal tank mounted to the existing tank mount tabs.

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:51 am Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 10:05 AM 11/28/2007, John Hauck wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  



The little gokart tank is 1.75 gal as indicated in my previous post.



Doubt very seriously Kolb has the old US 6 gal tanks.



The six gal tank mounted to the existing tank mount tabs.


	


I'll give it a shot... I'm sure you're right that they don't have any more, 

but like the little kart tanks, I doubt they used anything custom made so 

somebody might remember where to get it.  Anyway, one can hope.



-Dana



do not archive

--

  The man who would be fully employed should procure a ship or a woman, for 

no two things produce more trouble" - Plautus 254-184 B.C.

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Dana:



The 6 gal fuel tank for the US was custom made.



john h

mkIII

Rio Rancho, NM

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:03 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 04:23 PM 11/28/2007, John Hauck wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  The 6 gal fuel tank for the US was custom made.


	


Wow, that must've cost a bit considering the relatively low production 

volume... but back then all the ultralight companies were pretty optimistic...



-Dana



do not archive



--

  They say that politics makes strange bedfellows.

Of course, the main reason they cuddle up is to screw somebody else.

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:18 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

| Wow, that must've cost a bit considering the relatively low 

production

| volume... but back then all the ultralight companies were pretty 

optimistic...

|

| -Dana

Dana:



If Dennis Souder is monitoring the List he could fill you in on  cost 

back in 1984-85 to have those tanks blown.



I don't know of any other application the tank could have been used 

for.



I remember securing the 6 gal tank in my US with 4 each really big 

heavy duty nylon tie wraps.  Worked great!



john h

mkIII

Rio Rancho, NM

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

I am beginning to think that the fiberglass tank that sits in the cage behind the seat on my US is custom made.



Its a really great job who ever made it .....looks production and fits perfectly and snugly right near the CG and the carb is all downhill from the tank's pickup with a 24" run of fuel line via a low point fuel filter/water trap and the pump....can't imagine a better arrangement is even possible.



Just got a fuel sender unit to install and wire to my E1 digital engine monitor since I can't see the fuel level behind my seat.



It will show up on my instrument where the oil Pressure sensor would normally be and have a settable low fuel alarm.



Don't you just love digital instruments!

_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

Do Not Archive

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 3:43 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 03:34 PM 11/29/2007, jb92563 wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  



I am beginning to think that the fiberglass tank that sits in the cage 

behind the seat on my US is custom made.



Its a really great job who ever made it .....looks production and fits 

perfectly...


	


Do you have a picture you could post?



-Dana



--

  Politicians and diapers have one thing in common.  They should both be 

changed regularly, and for the same reason.

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Here are some pics of my fiberglass tank.

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_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

Do Not Archive

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 3:56 am Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 12:33 AM 11/30/2007, jb92563 wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  



Here are some pics of my fiberglass tank.


	


Thanks Ray,



That does look like it was nicely done.  How does it attach to the 

frame?  If I change the tank or add an aux tank I'd rather not do any 

welding on the frame.



Always interesting to see the differences... sometimes I think I'm the only 

one without a nose fairing!  Though yours is the only one I've seen besides 

mine with the wing leading edge tubes extended outside of the center rib... 

I have a tube that sleeves over them, that gets slipped into place joining 

them together after the wings are unfolded.  What are those rectangular 

projections that look like "handles" on the main downtubes, just behind and 

above the seat?  Also, no fuel pump?  And is that a crack in the engine 

frame, just above the left rear mounting bolt, or just dirt?



-Dana

--

  Celebrate Freedom... read a banned book.

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:19 am Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Those pictures are of the plane as I received it.....dirty.....but no cracks.



Those things that look like handles are handles.



I hang on to it, plus put my foot in front of the wheel when pull starting so I don't end up in the prop if the Kolb start rolling.



The glass tank inserts from the seat area(remove seat) and has molded in saddles on the bottom and top so it can ride on the frame cross members and is attached with hose clamps.



It is offset to the left side well clear of the control rods on the right side of the frame.



I also think its more than 5 gallons......perhaps 6.



I installed a different fuel filter....sump type and also put a pump on the engine bracket where you see those 2 holes.



Also missing from that pic is the short whindshield, my instruments and the 4" drum brakes I just  got that I need to install.



I also need to zinc chromate a bunch of parts and do some painting.



But the poly fiber is all patched and ready to go.

_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

Do Not Archive

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:25 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 10:19 AM 11/30/2007, jb92563 wrote:



  	  Quote: 	
		  Those things that look like handles are handles.



 I hang on to it, plus put my foot in front of the wheel when pull starting so I don't end up in the prop if the Kolb start rolling. 	


 After looking at some other pictures on the web (including the other pix of your plane on the Ultrastar yahoo group), it looks like many Ultrastars have a headrest there.  On mine, the starter cord runs up and and through a pulley attached to the wing universal bolt, so I'm pulling down to start the engine.  This way, I can start while standing right in front of the landing gear leg so it can't roll past me.  I can also start it (though not easily given the condition of my shoulder) while sitting in the seat, which is nice.



 Most likely I'll add a third 1.5 gallon auxiliary tank behind the seat, and keep the existing tanks, for the 5 gallon total.  Possibly this one (easy to mount), or something similar:

 http://fluids.flambeau.com/multipurpose_tanks/6.0_quart.html 



 -Dana

 --

  I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar.    [quote][b]

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Dana,



Do you think you could do an in air restart with your pull starter?



Not sure how valuable this would be since once an engine has stopped in flight I don't think there is much chance of it running again and the time would be better spent concentrating on a landing spot rather than trying repeatedly to relight the engine.



I assume the engine would only stop from fuel starvation, seizure, or plug fouling and hence futile to attempt a restart.



I had considered that but turning the engine off to soar is the only reason I could think of to make restarting from the seat desirable.



Anyone have opinions about this?



Dana, I also wondered if you had brakes on yours?



Seeing that you fly from grass however it may not be necessary.



I have not seen an UltraStar headrest...is that what the "Handles" are for?.



Looks like a good tank with plenty of attachment options, but how are all the tanks plumbed together?  T fittings or in series?

_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

Do Not Archive

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 04:47 PM 11/30/2007, jb92563 wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Do you think you could do an in air restart with your pull starter?


	


I don't see why not, though I haven't tried it yet.  I will, though, once I 

get more confident in my spot landings.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Not sure how valuable this would be since once an engine has stopped in 

flight I don't think there is much chance of it running again and the time 

would be better spent concentrating on a landing spot rather than trying 

repeatedly to relight the engine.


	


Only with plenty of altitude!



It did quit on me once, just as I was flaring to land; the idle mixture 

wasn't set right.  I rolled off the runway, and restarted it from the seat 

with one pull at about 1/4 throttle.  Having a remote choke (I don't, now) 

would make an in-air restart more likely.



 	  Quote: 	
		  I had considered that but turning the engine off to soar is the only 

reason I could think of to make restarting from the seat desirable.


	


Yes, and I love doing that with my PPG, though I can't restart that in the 

air.  The ability to restart from the seat could be useful if I'm at 

another airport and have to start in a tight spot on pavement; I wouldn't 

want the plane to start rolling as I'm climbing in.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Dana, I also wondered if you had brakes on yours?



Seeing that you fly from grass however it may not be necessary.


	


Yes, I do (and I don't fly from grass though I'd prefer to; the airport 

owner doesn't allow takeoffs and landings from the grass).  Mine are Free 

Bird's Black Max disk brakes with Hegar heel cylinders.  A very nice setup.



-Dana



--

  Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors-- and miss.

KolbFlyerJim(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:03 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Hi Dana

  

  

 Just Fly your UltraStar

  

 Its not rocket sience

 Jim N2641M





  [quote][b]

d-m-hague(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 6:39 pm Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

At 06:41 PM 12/1/2007, KolbFlyerJim(at)aol.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

Just Fly your UltraStar



Its not rocket sience


	


I _am_ flying it... I just want to fly it a little farther, airports aren't 

too close together around here.



-Dana (rocket engineer)



do not archive

--

  New safety announcement from the Department of Homeland 

Security:  Securely duct tape shut any books you may own about civil 

liberties or the U.S. Constitution.

undoctor(at)ptd.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:30 am Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Dana,

  

 If the attachment comes through you can see how the  Exmark Turf Tracer 5 gal. tank fits nicely in gravity-feed  position.

  

 Dave Kulp

 FireFly 098

Damaged_US_from_RF_(Medium).JPG

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undoctor(at)ptd.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:47 am Post subject: Ultrastar fuel tanks

Hi Dana,

  

 I did a reply to the list with an attachment  showing the Exmark fuel tank in my Ultrastar.  Hope it helps.  If it  doesn't come through and you'd like to see it just email me and I'll send it off  line.

  

 I got a kick out of your response to the wisea$$  about "just fly it."  Got curious as to what you actually do and found your  info on Google.  It may interest you to know that my bro is the same.   If you go to the REM site at http://www.remassociates.com/ ,  expand the consultants tab in the nav column and click on Linwood Kulp, you can  read about him.  Maybe your paths have crossed.

  

 Regards,

  

 Dave Kulp

   [quote][b]

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