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Rob,
I'm glad to hear that you're installing an
automatic header fuel system. It's a great work load reducing addition. We built
one based on float switches into our 320 and it has performed perfectly for over
1,500 hrs. I also agree with Bob that it might be better to move the sensors to
the aft of the tank if at all possible. We incorporated the "auto fill" button
that Bob talks about. That also, has been a nice touch and a very easy and
inexpensive addition to the system. Make sure that you can also switch to a
non-automatic mode if you need to. In ours, we have one switch for each wing
tank. We can switch from auto to off to on. Another addition that I highly
recommend to your fuel system is a crossfeed valve. Basically, it connects both
wing tanks at the system low point in the belly. Opening the valve allows fuel
to gravity flow from both wings where either pump can pump all of the fuel.
Without this valve, a single pump failure would make the fuel in the failed side
unusable and might very well limit the availability of the fuel in the good side
due to severe imbalance problems. Here's a view of the forward portion of our
console looking down.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,500+ hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 8:53
AM
Subject: [LML] Re: LNC2 Deck Angle on
Climbout
Rob,
Bite the bullet and re-install your probes
in the aft side of your header tank. Taking the time to do it now will
give you more psychological comfort and better reliability in the knowledge
your system is operating at maximum efficiency and accuracy..
My probes were installed such that the pumps
started with 5.5 gallons remaining which is approximatly 30 minutes
of reserve fuel. The pumps stopped at 11 gallons. The canopy was forward
hinged so the insets for the hinges were installed in the header tank thus
reducing some of its original capacity. The system was very reliable and
accurate. Deck angle was not an issue since the switches operated
predominantly in level flight.
I recommend that you install another
momentary push button switch in the system next to your other fuel
switches and lights which is wired parallel to the lower trigger switch and
label it "Fuel Top Off". This way you can just push the button and the
system starts fueling up your header tank. Comes in very handy on your
flight check before descending to land and any other time you feel it
necessary to top off your tank.
Bob Smiley
N94RJ
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