REFLECTOR: Leaking sump float switch

[John Tvedte]

Here is what I am using....made by Pillar Point Avionics.
 
http://www.ppavionics.com/LFL.htm
 
Lifted from their web site....
"Pillar Point Avionics has developed a unique Low Fuel Warning Sensor and sensor system.  Built into an AN912-1D bushing, the Low Fuel Warning (LFL) sensor uses infrared light to "see" the fuel in your header tank, main fuel line, or main tank. The technology in the LFL is the same as in your TV remote control, packaged into a sensor that is the size of a pencil eraser!  PPAv's LFL sensor has NO moving parts, so there is nothing to break.  The LFL sensor system has a REAL built-in test (BIT) that allows the switch AND the sensor to be checked."
 
John

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org on behalf of Ron Brown 
	Sent: Sun 10/9/2005 3:41 PM 
	To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list 
	Cc: 
	Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Leaking sump float switch
	
	
	Anybody got a source for these solid state fuel level sensors?
	 
	I have a Westach capacitance probe mounted in my RG header tank - it works great.  But there is very little room for it.  I had to mount my tank low so that the probe head misses the center section spar.  That puts the drain valve too close to the bottom - well, actually it is sticking out - just like the no-no Scott Baker pointed out a few weeks ago.  I sure would sleep better if I could get my tank and drain valve back up where they should be.
	 
	Ronnie Brown
	N713MR - 173 Elite RG

		----- Original Message ----- 
		From: Jim Sower <mailto:canarder at frontiernet.net>  
		To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>  
		Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2005 3:40 PM
		Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Leaking sump float switch

		If I had it to do over (which may very well develop) I would dispense with the float switch (more of that 1920s technology) and install one of the many solid state sensors available like those used for the low fuel warning lights on our dash boards.  If I thought it important to know how far into my sump fuel I am, I might mount several of these sensors "on a stick" and have them drive ladder lights on the panel.  
		Arguably cheaper than float switch, certainly safer and more reliable ... Jim S.
		
		wurzel at alumni.caltech.edu wrote: 

			So, I started noticing blue dye down the side of (and on the
			floor right underneath) the sump tank.  Turns out fuel is
			leaking either through or around the float switch.  D'oh,
			the one-day annual condition inspection morphs itself
			into a full-on project.
			
			Unfortunately, my float switch isn't screwed into a hard point
			as seems to be the standard these days.  I'm not sure if
			Rick L rolled his own low fuel sensor, or if Velocity
			used to recommend just glassing the switch directly into
			the side of the tank, but in any event it is, in fact, just
			glassed right into the side and providing a lovely 100LL
			aroma to my cabin.
			
			So, I'd like to convert this to a threaded installation.
			
			1) Any ideas on the easiest way to do this?  My current
			thought is to remove the current switch while taking as
			little of the surrounding material off as possible.  Then,
			sand the outside of the sump tank so it's flat in the area
			where the switch was.  Next, coat the hard point and the tank
			with epoxy and press them together... finally put some glass
			over the outside of the hard point as well (making sure not to
			get any in the threads!)
			
			2) What do I need to know about fuel and epoxy?  Is there a
			particular epoxy I need to use for this application?  Flox?
			Micro?  Do I have to put some kind of sealant on the inside
			after the epoxy has cured to prevent leaks or deterioration?
			I saw some comments in old posts on using a shop vac to draw a
			vacuum and suck the epoxy in around things, and that sounds
			like a good idea as long as I'm using the right epoxy and it
			doesn't dissolve as soon as the fuel hits it.  :-)
			
			Thanks in advance for the help!
			
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