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Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers
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jimmieblackwell(at)austin
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

My Kitfox was originally built in 1994.  So, I think it is about time to remove and check the finger strainers in the wing tanks.  Has anyone on the list removed their finger strainers from the fiberglass wing tanks and if so are there any issues of concern getting the strainers out without damaging the tank threads?



Jimmie

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

I removed mine when I did the flush and re-kreeme job, Jimmie. I  

didn't have any problem. I reinserted the finger strainers, using a  

Permatex Aviation product...just can't recall the proper name of  

it...some kind of gasket maker stuff.



Lynn Matteson

Grass Lake, Michigan

Kitfox IV Speedster  w/Jabiru 2200

flying w/450+ hrs



On Jan 7, 2008, at 3:36 PM, <jimmieblackwell(at)austin.rr.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 My Kitfox was originally built in 1994.  So, I think it is about  

 time to remove and check the finger strainers in the wing tanks.   

 Has anyone on the list removed their finger strainers from the  

 fiberglass wing tanks and if so are there any issues of concern  

 getting the strainers out without damaging the tank threads?



 Jimmie

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Guy Buchanan

Joined: 16 Jul 2006
Posts: 1204
Location: Ramona, CA

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

At 12:36 PM 1/7/2008, you wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  Has anyone on the list removed their finger strainers from the 

fiberglass wing tanks and if so are there any issues of concern 

getting the strainers out without damaging the tank threads?


	


Jimmie,

         I did it repeatedly during the first 40 hours and a few more 

times after trying to find a sealant that would work. You're right 

about the threads and that concern prompted me to leave them in at 

the last annual. The answer obviously depends on what sealant was 

used to install them. If they were epoxied in, you're probably stuck 

with them. (Bad pun intended.) (It's possible the brass will release 

from the epoxy, but unlikely. More likely the epoxy will ball-up, 

distorting the hole significantly. Nearly any other sealant should 

shear before the glass and brass so you should be able to remove them 

without trouble. Don't heat the tank to soften the sealant, not just 

because of the gas inside, but because the vinyl-ester resin used to 

make them is not intended for high temperatures.

         By the way, the only sealant I've gotten to work with 100LL 

is two-part polysulfide: 

(http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/proseal.php)

Guy Buchanan

San Diego, CA

K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.

_________________
Guy Buchanan
Deceased K-IV 1200
A glider pilot too.

trevorkebb(at)earthlink.n
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Jimmie:



My '94 strainers were installed with Permaseal (Permatex?) aviation gasket 

goo. I gently heated up the strainers and tank area around them with a heat 

gun (no fuel in the tanks, caps off, it takes a bit of time) and the 

strainers very easily came right out. Before heating they were rock solid 

and I was afraid of damaging the threads. Heating would work with most 

sealants I would suspect.



Hope this helps.



Robert Beck

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 My Kitfox was originally built in 1994.  So, I think it is about time to 

 remove and check the finger strainers in the wing tanks.  Has anyone on 

 the list removed their finger strainers from the fiberglass wing tanks and 

 if so are there any issues of concern getting the strainers out without 

 damaging the tank threads?



 Jimmie

wingsdown(at)verizon.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

I made that part of my annual. Good thing to check for sure. Should seal

without any sealants, but don't guess it could hurt unless your one of

those anal weight types. 



Rick



--

n981ms(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:19 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Along this thread:  Has anyone found any problems when they checked.  What type of fuel do they run and at how many hours?  I admit to not having checked mine.  I am not sure I can get them out without cutting into the butt rib.

   

  Maxwell S6/TD/IO240



Rick <wingsdown(at)verizon.net> wrote:

  [quote]--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rick" 



I made that part of my annual. Good thing to check for sure. Should seal

without any sealants, but don't guess it could hurt unless your one of

those anal weight types. 



Rick



--

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:56 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

While on the subject; I have no reason to believe I have problems with my finger strainers but ... it could be nice to check that are not halv cloted, right? But I don't really want to remove them. Isn't it possible to suck fuel from the refueling cap side and hold a hose close to the strainer to see if some dirty stuff of particles is being sucked? Has anyone tried that?



Cheers,

Michel Verheughe

Norway

Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

<pre><b><font size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:54 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Maybe some enterprising young man with all sorts of testing equipment  

and ability...Lowell, are you listening?...could do a test of the  

amount of fuel that the finger strainers will pass.  Maybe using a  

cut-away tank. This info could be a start towards at least gaining  

some insight to what is needed for flow. Of course, if the original  

builder actually DID a flow check as suggested, and that info is  

available to the subsequent owner (if that is the case), this would  

help. I know that there are entirely too many variables at work here,  

but it'll get people thinking.



Lynn Matteson

Grass Lake, Michigan

Kitfox IV Speedster  w/Jabiru 2200

flying w/450+ hrs

On Jan 8, 2008, at 8:46 AM, Michel Verheughe wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   While on the subject; I have no reason to believe I have problems  

 with my finger strainers but ... it could be nice to check that are  

 not halv cloted, right? But I don't really want to remove them.  

 Isn't it possible to suck fuel from the refueling cap side and hold  

 a hose close to the strainer to see if some dirty stuff of  

 particles is being sucked? Has anyone tried that?



 Cheers,

 Michel Verheughe

 Norway

 Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

 <pre><b><font size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">



 List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List</a>

 forums.matronics.com</a>

 www.matronics.com/contribution</a>



 </b></font></pre>

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

pwmac(at)sisna.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:37 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

My take is that if the gravity flow from the tank meets your needs or 

the guidelines from the FAA then removal should not be necessary. Its 

not rocket science. Seems like a simple test could be conducted when 

the flex hose - strainer to the header is replaced annually it would 

be pretty easy to do a flow test once the details are worked out of 

emptying the tank refilling etc. With all that trouble then removing 

and examining might be easier. I would not worry about the threads as 

they can easily be repaired or the next size adapter can be used. If 

the wing closeout blocks removal then mod is required to access the plumbing.

Check the archives for the unusual attitude gravity flow test 

discussion. It was discussed extensively and had inputs from some 

knowledgeable fuel system people.

For the guys that are in the construction phase,  please do the flow 

test and make the strainer accessible.

Regards, Paul

================

At 06:51 AM 1/8/2008, you wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

Maybe some enterprising young man with all sorts of testing equipment

and ability...Lowell, are you listening?...could do a test of the

amount of fuel that the finger strainers will pass.  Maybe using a

cut-away tank. This info could be a start towards at least gaining

some insight to what is needed for flow. Of course, if the original

builder actually DID a flow check as suggested, and that info is

available to the subsequent owner (if that is the case), this would

help. I know that there are entirely too many variables at work here,

but it'll get people thinking.

Lynn Matteson

Grass Lake, Michigan

Kitfox IV Speedster  w/Jabiru 2200

flying w/450+ hrs

On Jan 8, 2008, at 8:46 AM, Michel Verheughe wrote:

>While on the subject; I have no reason to believe I have problems

>with my finger strainers but ... it could be nice to check that are

>not halv cloted, right? But I don't really want to remove them.

>Isn't it possible to suck fuel from the refueling cap side and hold

>a hose close to the strainer to see if some dirty stuff of

>particles is being sucked? Has anyone tried that?

>

>Cheers,

>Michel Verheughe

>Norway

>Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

><pre><b><font size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

>

>List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List</a>

>forums.matronics.com</a>

>www.matronics.com/contribution</a>

>

></b></font></pre>

msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Maxwell -

   

  The mesh in those strainers is pretty big. It's a bit like they're designed to keep mice from clogging your fuel system. If fuel is flowing freely and you're not finding smaller stuff in downstream filters/traps, it's a solid bet finger strainers are clean.

   

  I remove and inspect mine annually with no problem. I wouldn't if it meant cutting tho. Have never found anything in them. I burn 93 octane auto.



W Duke <n981ms(at)yahoo.com> wrote:

  [quote]  Along this thread:  Has anyone found any problems when they checked.  What type of fuel do they run and at how many hours?  I admit to not having checked mine.  I am not sure I can get them out without cutting into the butt rib.

   

  Maxwell      [quote][b]

JimmieBlackwell(at)austin
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Wow!  Lots of good ideas here, but now I am really wondering if I might be 

able to see them with some sort of mirror or small camera without removing 

them.  Would sure be helpful to know if anyone has found restrictions on the 

strainers when they removed them and as someone else suggested a report on 

kind of fuel used if a restrictions was found.



Jimmie



---

rzeppin(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Hi All... I'm new to the Kitfox forums, but thought I might add to the 

discussion...

Harbor Freight has bore scopes for $170... It's  a bit on the pricey 

side, but I would imagine there are all sorts of

other uses you could find for it besides checking the finger strainers. 

I would think you'd get a much

better idea on the strainers condition using a bore scope than a mirror, 

but you're also looking

at a more expensive idea.

Harbor Freight has two different ones, almost a $100 difference in 

price. The one for $170 is here...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94958



It even comes with a 'periscope' attachment for looking at 90 degrees to 

the axis instead of straight ahead.



Ron

Jimmie Blackwell wrote:

[quote] 

 <JimmieBlackwell(at)austin.rr.com>



 Wow!  Lots of good ideas here, but now I am really wondering if I 

 might be able to see them with some sort of mirror or small camera 

 without removing them.  Would sure be helpful to know if anyone has 

 found restrictions on the strainers when they removed them and as 

 someone else suggested a report on kind of fuel used if a restrictions 

 was found.



 Jimmie



 ---

Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject: Re: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

 	  Quote: 	
		  Would sure be helpful to know if anyone has found restrictions on the 

strainers when they removed them and as someone else suggested a report on 

kind of fuel used if a restrictions was found. 	




Jimmie,  the design of finger strainers is to prevent large debris such as leaves, butterflies, someone mentioned mice, etc. from blocking the fuel port in the tank.



On the 1998 Alaska trip one of the kitfoxes made one emergency landing due to a rough running engine.  They diagnosed the problem as fouled spark plugs.  On the next leg he almost had to make another emergency landing due to a rough running engine.  They then found the problem was really fuel starvation from large chunks of the dreaded kreem flaking off inside the wing tank and blocking the finger strainer.  You can read the story on the "Sportflight web site".  here is the direct link.  http://sportflight.com/alaska/KingEpilog.htm  It is quite interesting how they removed the wing and sloshed the tank with acitone to remove the remaining Kreem.

_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

bjones(at)dmv.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

I Checked my wing tank fuel strainers at about 300 hours, after using mostly 

auto gas transferred form 5 gallon cans - both finger strainers were clear, 

however I know I could find junk on the strainers at any time if junk got past 

the filter in my funnel or if I changed my fueling technique in some other 

meaningful way so hours in use may not be very useful. (As  an aside, Lockwood 

Aviation recommends a specific type of in line filter near the engine as I 

recall from their Rotax 912 course.) 

BJ

N154K

443-480-1023

bjones(at)dmv.com 

Quoting Rick <wingsdown(at)verizon.net>:



[quote] 

 

 I made that part of my annual. Good thing to check for sure. Should seal

 without any sealants, but don't guess it could hurt unless your one of

 those anal weight types. 

 

 Rick

 

 --

Glenn Horne

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 96

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:27 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Screw them out. I did mine and put them back in. No problem.

GLENN HORNE

Kitfox Model II

---

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:47 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

On Jan 8, 2008, at 4:17 PM, Marco Menezes wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   The mesh in those strainers is pretty big.


	


Marco, can you give me the approximate size of the mesh, please? I have 

never seen one open. Thanks in advance,

Michel Verheughe

Norway

Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Do not archive

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

n981ms(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:39 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Thanks,

     I am familiar with the strainers.  The more people that have checked them and never found anything make me feel better about not checking.  Another thought is that since I have 2;  the odds of both causing a significant restriction at the same time is low.  I do like the bore scope idea though.

   

  Maxwell S6/TD/IO240



Marco Menezes <msm_9949(at)yahoo.com> wrote:

  [quote]  Maxwell -

   

  The mesh in those strainers is pretty big. It's a bit like they're designed to keep mice from clogging your fuel system. If fuel is flowing freely and you're not finding smaller stuff in downstream filters/traps, it's a solid bet finger strainers are clean.

   

  I remove and inspect mine annually with no [quote][b]

msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:02 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

Michel - It's been a year since I took them out and my recollection may be somewhat spotty but I'd guess the finger strainer mesh is about 3/32" or larger.  As I mentioned, I've never found anything stuck in them although my Purelator-type in-line filters, just a few inches downstream, have trapped alot of small particles.

   

  Jimmie - Seems I also recall trying to look down the filler hole with mirror & light, and that the view is blocked, presumably by baffles. At least that was my experience. I have the 6 gal fiberglass tanks.



Michel Verheughe <michel(at)online.no> wrote:

  [quote]--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe 



On Jan 8, 2008, at 4:17 PM, Marco Menezes wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   The mesh in those strainers is pretty big.


	


Marco, can you give me the approximate    [quote][b]

Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:25 am Post subject: Re: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

 	  Quote: 	
		  Marco, can you give me the approximate size of the mesh, please? I have 

never seen one open. 	




Michel, here's a finger strainer picture attached.

Finger Strainer.JPG

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_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: Wing Tank Fuel Finger Strainers

On Jan 9, 2008, at 1:33 AM, Glenn Horne wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Screw them out. I did mine and put them back in. No problem.


	


You probably have built your plane yourself, Glenn. I haven't and I 

know that the builder (who has passed away since) of my plane did an 

excellent job. It was actually his third Kitfox. I am therefore always 

afraid to damage something he did well. Beside that, it looks awkward 

to remove mine; the access in the wing root is limited.



On Jan 9, 2008, at 4:55 PM, Marco Menezes wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Michel - It's been a year since I took them out and my recollection 

 may be somewhat spotty but I'd guess the finger strainer mesh is 

 about 3/32" or larger.


	


Thank you, Marco. My gascolator has also always been free of debris. I 

am pretty sure my tanks are clean but ... it's nice if I can positively 

confirm it.



On Jan 9, 2008, at 5:25 PM, Tom Jones wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Michel, here's a finger strainer picture attached.


	


Thank you, Tom. From your ruler, I make it about 1 mm mesh. Somewhat 

oarser than my gascolator.



Cheers,

Michel Verheughe

Norway

Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Do not archive

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

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