REFLECTOR:Low Fuel Light, my solution
reflector@tvbf.org
reflector@tvbf.org
Sat, 26 Jul 2003 22:34:09 EDT
After my accident of June 1999, I installed the low fuel level float switch
in my sump tank. I also was getting flashing low fuel level fuel light at
various times such as left turn. First a fuel level sight tube was temporarily
installed on my sump tank with a light shinning on it. This is easily done by
adding tees at the sump tank fuel outlet and at the vent outlet. The sight tube
showed that some sloshing of the fuel, and not low fuel was causing the flashing
light. My solution was an adjustable time delay (from 1 sec to 10 sec)
installed between the float switch and the light. I now have the time delay set at 6
seconds and have not had a problem since.
There is one condition where a vent is needed for the sump. More than once,
Jean Prudhomme, during a long descent with relatively low fuel, has had a low
sump fuel warning. He determined that the nose down attitude caused the fuel
from the strake tanks to unport and stop flowing to the sump. He simply leveled
out and light soon went out. He does have the large 90 gallon tanks. I believe
this has also happened on the factory airplane.
Finally I use and have the following warning on my panel " At least every 30
minutes, check the fuel level in both wing tanks. IF an UNUSUAL IMBALANCE, is
seen (5 to 10 gals) ASSUME FULLEST TANK IS UNUSABLE" This is a possible sign
of a leaking fuel cap and fullest tank may not flow to sump.
Don White N19DW XL/RG