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From: "Al Wick" <alwick@juno.com>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
References: <list-3327728@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-3327728@logan.com>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Fuel system
Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 21:13:38 -0800
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It's the fine little details of fuel sys that makes a difference. Wet pumps 
better than exterior pumps. One fuel inlet for each pump. Inlet should have 
one of those course self cleaning filters on it. The type used in cars. Only 
use fine mesh filters on pump outlet, one for each pump.

If you're going with external pumps, important to place them as low as 
possible to reduce vapor lock risk. Important to shield pump from engine 
heat.

Do not assume simple is safer. Your goal safety. Very good to assume you 
will mismanage it. Best to have computer monitoring, or at least have gages 
that go nuts when they see low fuel.

Those expensive dual port fuel valves are a good solution. I know some of 
the guys on this list have well designed fuel systems, I'd be quick to copy 
one that considers failure modes.

-al wick


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "randy echtinaw" <rjechtinaw@toast.net>


> Gentlemen,
>   Because a large majority of homebuilt problems are fuel related I
> am trying to make my system as simple as possible. This is a biplane
> with a 20 gal. and a 10 gal. tank in front of the inst. panel, RX-8
> engine.
> The only "known" problem I have at the moment is my fuel return. I
> would like it to return to the main tank only. This would mean burning
> off 2-3 gallons from the main tank before switching to the 2nd tank.
> But, this might mean I am setting myself up for a future "pilot error"
> in fuel management. If I return to both tanks I would need another
> selector and cockpit control which is making the system more
> complicated and, again, potential "pilot error." So, suggestions . . .
> Thank you very much,
> Randy
>
>


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>
>


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-Al Wick
Cozy IV powered by Turbo Subaru 3.0R with variable valve lift and cam 
timing.
Artificial intelligence in cockpit, N9032U 240+ hours from Portland, Oregon
Glass panel design, Subaru install, Prop construct, Risk assessment info:
http://www.maddyhome.com/canardpages/pages/alwick/index.html