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Fuel Tank Selector

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Heatonhe36(at)msn.com
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 10:07 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Selector

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--><?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> List,

  

 I am trying to decide on an appropriate fuel tank selector.  I am  using fuel injection so I need a return line to the same tank I am pulling fuel  from.  My choices from A/S seem to be the Andair Duplex valve http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/fs22d2.php or  two ball valves, one for feed and one for return.  The tank selection  sequence could get very confusing with two separate valves since I need to  switch fuel pumps at each tank when I change the valves.  I  have Facet low pressure pumps at each tank before the selector valve, which  then feeds a small header tank which gravity feeds the high pressure  pumps.  Confused?  Me too.

  

 For example with the Andair Duplex, when I switch tanks I would move the  selector to say the right tank, flip the switch to turn on the right fuel pump,  turn off the left fuel pump.  Or use a DPDT switch to select which  pump.  Not too bad.

  

 With two ball valves I would have to switch the fuel supply valve to the  right tank, switch the return line valve to the right tank, turn on the right  tank fuel pump, turn off the left fuel fuel pump.  This could be too  much pilot load during an emergency situation.

  

 Now to the alternate (experimental) system.  Has anyone used the  Pollak auxiliary tank selector valve used in trucks?  http://pollak.thomasnet.com/viewitems/fuel-tank-selector-valves/light-truck-6-port-motor-driven-valve?&forward=1    One advantage I see is the possible remote location of the valve.  The  other is that when you change tanks with the toggle switch, the fuel pumps  to the appropriate tank will turn on or off.  One simple toggle switch  (right or left) selects the tank, sets the return line, starts the proper fuel  pump and turns off the other pump.

  

 Any reasonable suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  

 Herb Heaton

 EA-81 turbo

 Zodiac 601XL

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Gig Giacona

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 11:12 am Post subject: Re: Fuel Tank Selector

By far the easiest option would be to send all the fuel back to just one tank. I think there would actually be less chance of over filling a tank that way.

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601XL Under Construction
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MaxNr(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Selector

Gig is right. I owned a Beechcraft that had the only return line emptying into the left tank. Flight Manual said in several places to "operate the first 45 minutes on the left tank." Nobody ever had a problem with this procedure. System was trouble free and simple. I believe that it returned about four Gal/hr.

 

 Bob  XL/Lyc

 

 

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Gig Giacona

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:01 am Post subject: Re: Fuel Tank Selector

That 4 gph is about what I remember for the Beech though it has been a while. Hey, if we could get that return rate in a 601 we could almost fly for free. 

 	  MaxNr(at)aol.com wrote: 	
		  Gig is right. I owned a Beechcraft that had the only return line emptying into the left tank. Flight Manual said in several places to "operate the first 45 minutes on the left tank." Nobody ever had a problem with this procedure. System was trouble free and simple. I believe that it returned about four Gal/hr.

 

 Bob  XL/Lyc

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n4546v(at)mindspring.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:55 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Selector

Since we're all working from recall.............  I have a '48 Bonz, I'm

sure the return rate to the left tank is 3 gph.  If it was 4 gph, the

"first" 45 minute left tank burn (per the POH) wouldn't be enough.  If you

were burning 8 GPH, the 45 min. would only be 6 gallons used, then when you

switch to the right tank and fly for 2 hours with a 4 gph return to the

left, you would be pumping fuel over the side, no room for it!

Regards & do not archive,

Randy, Las Vegas

Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Selector

 	  Quote: 	

<wr.giacona(at)suddenlink.net>

 	  Quote: 	

 That 4 gph is about what I remember for the Beech though it has been a

while. Hey, if we could get that return rate in a 601 we could almost fly

for free. 

 	  Quote: 	

 MaxNr(at)aol.com wrote:

 > Gig is right. I owned a Beechcraft that had the only return line

emptying into the left tank. Flight Manual said in several places to

"operate the first 45 minutes on the left tank." Nobody ever had a problem

with this procedure. System was trouble free and simple. I believe that it

returned about four Gal/hr.

 	  Quote: 	
		   >

 >  Bob  XL/Lyc

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georgerace

Joined: 25 Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Location: Albion, MI

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 6:45 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Selector

I am currently  flying a Technam Bravo 2004.  It has dual fuel valves located in either  door post, left and right.  The return line from the Rotax goes only to the  left tank.  If both tanks are relatively full, and you have both tanks  selected for takeoff with the electric boost pump on, often looking out toward  the end of the left wing you will see fuel being pushed out of the left tank  overflow.

  

 When I ask the FBO  plane owner about this I was told the Bravo required both tanks on as well as  the boost pump for takeoff.  After at least 500 feet altitude, I turn off  the boost pump and the overflow goes away.  Seems a waste of fuel, as this  starts happening during run-up and final position for takeoff, but is clearly  spelled out in the aircraft POH.

  

 Just their way of  doing things I guess.

  

 George

  

 do not  archive

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MaxNr(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:05 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Selector

Guilty as charged. Should not rely on memory. This prompted me to dig out the AFM and look it up in the LIMITATIONS section. The "Caution" said to burn 15 gallons from the left tank first. It was also placarded on the fuel selector. The partial fuel loads that I carried figured out to 45 minutes to bring the tank down by 15 gal. The return rate was computed by myself and other owners as about 4 gph based on power settings. I say again that this fuel management aspect was never a problem for any owner. That plane was totaled in its hangar by a hurricane and the AFM was on my desk at home.

 

 Bob  XL/Lyc

 Do not archive

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