Message-Id: <3.0.3.32.19981011173145.00bd4ac0@olsusa.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 1998 17:31:45 -0400
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
From: CavittP@aol.com (by way of Marvin Kaye <marvkaye@olsusa.com>)
Subject: Alternative Engines/Fuel System
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Am unaware of anyone operating a 2-place lancair (or any other type that comes
to mind) with an "alternative" powerplant.  There is no track record
established for an automotive powerplant installation with sufficient history
to make me believe that I'd be willing to use one in my plane.

Stick with the tried and true.  My personal experience and research has
"proved" that the good ol' Lycoming is the only way to go.  Sure.  The idea of
a constant temperature, liquid-cooled powerplant sounds good, but immagine a
coolant leak...  IFR...  over the mountains...   at night...

Regarding fuel systems:  In my L-235-320 I've got 54 gallons - 21 in each wing
and 12 in the header.  Using 3/8" lines for everything and a 3 position fuel
selector (OFF-LEFT-RIGHT {off is off, left is for header and right is for
wings}) from a Cherokee, and two transfer pumps, I'm able to get at all the
fuel even if I have complete electrical failure.  Most of the time I just
transfer fuel from the wings to the header.  Occasionally I will select
directly from the wings just to keep the valve loose.  If you're concerned
about fuel imballance, check valves do a satisfactory job, however I've got a
cross-flow valve between the wing tanks to prevent what could happen should a
check valve fail while parked on an uneven ramp.  

The only improvement I could make to my fuel system would be an automatic fuel
transfer system, which I intend to do - "someday."

Pete Cavitt - N320PL
619-283-7473