I am updating and completing a 10 year old LNC2 kit.
The wing tanks are closed out and sealed and so is the header tank.

I can see several possible ways to hook up the fuel system and I would
like to hear the opinions of the list members on this subject.

options:

1) Stick to the original plans.  Use all three tanks, with transfer pumps
from each wing tank to the header.  Positives: have all parts and most
work is done.  gravity feed from header to engine.  Negatives: high pilot
workload. chance of pumping an unknown quantity of fuel overboard if
distracted. (fess up...does this happen?) Fuel poised to spray in your
face in an off-field landing.

2) Use original setup but add electonics to automatically control xfers,
or add an overflow alarm.  Are most Lnc2s using this option?
Seems like adding complexity to patch a poor design.  3) Use an andair 3 position valve. Dont install the xfer pumps.
I still have a boost pump (in any case, right?) after the valve.  <Question: do boost pumps restrict flow when they fail?>
Still have gravity feed from header which I use as the reserve tank.
I still also have fuel above my knees.

4) Extend the wing tanks and eliminate the header.  To do this I think I
would need to create two bottom-side access panels on each wing. One below
the current filler cap (so i can put sealer on the patch where i cut the
old cap out) and the other below the new cap so I can paint sealer in the
exgension volume and in the channels connecting the two volumes.  anyone
see an easier way to do this? positives: this is the legacy system.  simple.  plenty volume. negatives: CG moves aft when at full fuel.
lots of work.  access panels can leak.

5) extend the wing tanks. AND leave the header. use the 3 way valve.  now
i can give myself an overload waiver and cross large bodies of water. in
normal operation I dont use the header.


-Jeff Peterson
N273CK LNC2 progressing nicely.