Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2000 20:58:20 -0500
From: James Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
Subject: Fuel filters and chads
Sender: James Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Message-ID: <200011242058_MC2-BC0B-A28B@compuserve.com>
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
>Any fuel filtration system that doesn't allow a bypass
when clogged with contaminates should be rejected.<

The insertion of extra inline filters started as a result of many fuel
related engine stoppages as Charley pointed out.  Don Goetz as I recall has
had 12 engine stoppages due to fuel related problems on test flights in
Lancairs. At one point, Don would not test fly your aircraft without an
extra inline filter.  Perhaps Don is listening and will comment. I am not a
beliver in extra filters, especially when they cannot be inspected for
contaminants or lack a bypass.

The standard fuel strainer and throttle body finger strainer is more than
adequate in my opinion with the following understanding: 

The filters must be checked frequently especially during the initial test
flights!!!!!   I  would suggest checking  the filters after the ground taxi
tests, after the first flight, at 10 hours, and then at 25 hour intervals
unil no contaminants are found and then at annual condition inspections.

During my first 25 hours I checked the throtle body finger strainer after
each flight.  Guess I was a bit paranoid being aware of all the fuel
problems.  Glass is difficult to see so requires that the finger strainer
be dried and tapped over a white piece of paper and then the paper
inspected for contaminants.  I found contaminants at each check.  It is
close to impossible to keep glass chads from entering your fuel system
during construction I found.   

BTW, a check of the throttle body finger strainer requires replacement of
the O-ring on Lycoming engines not sure about the Continental.  

You might want to engage a Democrat to check you filter for chads.  They
are better at finding them.  And if you find a dimpled chad, your grounded
least until the Supreme Court clears you to taxi. 

Jim Frantz 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>