REFLECTOR: Unbalanced fuel flow in flight

[Scott Derrick]

Scott B. is right.  I think most fuel flow imbalances are the result of 
miss-rigged airplanes that are actually continuously slipping along. 
Slows them down too.

The leaking fuel cap is probably the #2 reason. A generous dollop of 
fuel grease on the caps O-ring usually solves that.

Since your new in the air, miss-rigged rudders or wing adjustment is the 
prime culprit.

On the next flight if the ball is slightly off center, step on the 
appropriate rudder to center the ball but push the ball over a bit to 
much and hold that for a few minutes. See if the fuel evens out.

Scott D.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Unbalanced fuel flow in flight
From: Scott Baker <scottb33333 at gmail.com>
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
Date: 03/13/2011 07:25 AM

> Fuel flow imbalances, such as you describe, are often seen.
> Jerry Brainard's note regarding fuel cap seals is one probable cause.
> If the aircraft is out of rig, in this instance flying with the left
> wing low, will cause fuel to feed from the right tank first.
> You have addressed the other major reasons for fuel flow imbalance -
> restrictions in the fuel supply and vent lines.
> Suggest making additional flight tests (longer in duration), to see if
> the fuel level in the left tank begins to drop.
> Best,
> Scott B
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard J. Gentil"
> <richard at naples-air-center.com>
> To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2011 8:27 AM
> Subject: REFLECTOR: Unbalanced fuel flow in flight
>
>
> Friday I completed my second test flight. I found that all the fuel
> drained from the right side and none from the left while on the one hour
> flight. (I actually cut the flight short due to this.)
>
> When I landed I verified with my fuel stick that all the fuel did co e
> from the right tank.
>
> For troubleshooting:
>
> 1) I removed the line from the left tank to the sump tank and verified
> that fuel did flow freely from the left tank.
>
> 2) Removed the vent line from the left tank and tested the line in the
> direction of the left tank and in the direction to the vent/overflow
> block at the top of my firewall using compressed air.
>
> 3) I checked the check valve for the air for correct operation in both
> directions and verified it was installed in the correct direction for
> air to enter and that fuel would not vent into the cabin.
>
> 4) Verified the overflow line was clear by using compressed air.
>
> I know the picture is hard to follow but this is the fuel system:
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>>
>>
>> Richard
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone 4
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
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