REFLECTOR: Fuel system install

[Lawrence Epstein]

No valves:
Advantage:

KISS (Fewer failure modes/points)

Valves:
Advantage (Depends on location/# of valves);

Fuel Shut off in case of fire

Fuel shut off for Maintenance

Switching tanks to correct for imbalance.

Tough to argue with KISS, especially considering that the majority of
mechanical failures are related to the fuel system.

On the other hand, there are advantages.
I used 2 Solenoid, high flow NO (Normally Open or Fail Open) valves (1 on
each tank). These are only closed if powered. They are connected to a 3 way
switch which is either centered (no power to either and both open) right
(left tank closed) or left (right tank closed). Again, majority of time,
this is in center position. Electric power or valve fails, it (they) are
(both) open.
I also put a mechanical fuel shut off (after the sump) which can be closed
in flight (in case of fire).

Larry Epstein
173 FGE


On Fri, Jan 3, 2014 at 7:58 AM, Bob Huntingford <bhunting at telusplanet.net>wrote:

>  The factory suggested that shut off valves be put inline in case you ever
> need to remove the sump tank you don't need to drain the strakes first.
> which I did. See attached picture. I will wire them open so I don't have a
> loss of fuel during flight. As for the fuel feed lines I put in four hard
> points and used AN fittings for both fuel and vent lines. This way they can
> be removed for cleaning and re installed without any problems. I still
> placed a screen over the fuel line inside the strake..
>
> Bob Huntingford
> Velocity XL-FG
>
>
>
> On 1/2/2014 9:53 PM, Glenn Falkenberg wrote:
>
>  Hi All
> I have a two part question for the group on fuel system installation.  First
> what is the general thought on the use of a fuel tank selector valve.  Are
> their advantages or a necessity for using one?  What are the pros and
> cons?  Second does anyone have suggestions for installing the fuel feed
> line and strainer in the tank?  The manual says to just microglass the
> line in place and use a screen around the inlet.  I would like to use a
> more robust method, I.E. bulkhead fitting.  Any input is appreciated.
>   Thanks
> Glenn Falkenberg
>
>
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