recapen(at)earthlink.net
Guest
|
 Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 6:06 am Post subject: Fuel Pressure Sender Failure |
 |
|
Thought I would share this.
Yesterday morning, I launched from Laurel, DE (N06) destined for Campbell Field, VA (9VG).
Pre-flight, start-up, and run-up were all normal...as were take-off and climbout to 2500' during the southbound turn...including turning off the boost-pump.
After levelling off, throttling back, setting the prop and mixture, I got a 'check fuel pressure' warning from my Advanced Flight Systems AF3400EM engine monitor. Quick scan showed I was still flowing 12 GPH throught the flow meter and the engine purred along just fine - with the pressure at zero PSI! That didn't make sense, so I fired up the boost-pump - now the pressure is fluctuating between 6 and 7 PSI - everything else is fine...but I've already started the turn back for HomePlate. During the remainder of the trip back I checked various throttle, prop, mixture, fuel-tank selection and boost-pump settings to see what changes things. The only change inducing event is the boost-pump which presents as fluctuating 6-7 PSI while on.
Landing and rollout are uneventful as was taxi back and shutdown.
Post-flight examination and testing showed proper fuel pressure (approx 32 PSI) with boost pump running and purge valve selected on the ground with engine not running. There was no fuel leakage at any of the fuel system components. Wire wiggling sohwed the single fuel pressure sender wire was intact and tightly captive on the stud - however the stud assembly wiggled a bit within the sender body. Comparing this to the oil pressure sender mounted right next to it told me something wasn't right. The pressure sender is mounted on Vans manifold on the upper part of the firewall. The manifold is mounted with a spacer to allow the combination oil-pressure light / Hobbs meter activator to clear the firewall. There is a little curve in the wire to allow for movement.
I have already contacted Advanced Flight Systems for their input on obtaining a replacement sender. My questions to the list members are: Has anyone else experienced this failure mode? Is it possible that my spacer contributed to vibration-induced stress?
Any input would be appreciated,
Ralph
| | - The Matronics RV-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List |
|
|
|
Get Email Distribution Too!
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
