Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump?  
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All Forums >> Glow Engines, Gas Engines, Fuel & Mfg Support Forums >> RC Fuels >> Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump?
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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 3/23/2003 2:34:00 AM   
Capt Jim


 

Posts: 1080
Joined: 4/14/2002
From: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Status: offline 		My idea is to use an inexpensive 12 volt auto type of gasoline fuel pump for my glow fuel. The repeated failure of the cheap 12 volt glow fuel pumps leads me to this quest. I am aware of gasoline degrading glow pump mechanisms, but can I safely use a gasoline pump for glow fuel without ruining the pump? Thanks for the advise.

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Captain Jim
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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 3/27/2003 3:32:22 AM   
Bax


 

Posts: 11559
Joined: 4/26/2002
From: Champaign, IL, USA
Status: offline 		Jim,

The seals in gasoline pumps tend to be damaged by the alcohol in model fuels, so a pump designed for gasoline will fail after a bit. That's why you don't find much more than 10% ethanol in automotive gasoline. Any more and the seals in your car's fuel system will deteriorate.

bax

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 3/27/2003 5:00:05 AM   
Steve Guinn



Posts: 835
Joined: 8/23/2002
From: WV
Status: offline 		All those cars you see broken down along the road in the spring......alcohol based fuel line antifreeze = busted fuel pump.

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 3/27/2003 5:03:58 AM   
Steve Guinn



Posts: 835
Joined: 8/23/2002
From: WV
Status: offline 		Oh...you're in FL. Guess you wouldn't see them.

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Thanks for the tips... - 3/27/2003 5:05:49 AM   
Capt Jim


 

Posts: 1080
Joined: 4/14/2002
From: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Having discovered that the hobby variety of 12 volt glow fuel pumps are cheap, short lived, poor quality toys...where can I find a real pump that is small, efficient, long lasting, and will handle our glow fuels without failing in the process.

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Captain Jim

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 4/9/2003 5:31:37 AM   
causeitflies



Posts: 32
Joined: 1/1/2003
From: Steubenville, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Try a windshield washer pump from an automotive store.

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 4/9/2003 5:33:18 AM   
Steve Guinn



Posts: 835
Joined: 8/23/2002
From: WV
Status: offline 		Now that is a darn good idea!

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"The weather is here, wish you were beautiful."
J. Buffett

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re: windshield washer pump - 4/9/2003 6:00:02 AM   
Capt Jim


 

Posts: 1080
Joined: 4/14/2002
From: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Is that just a guess, or have you tried it successfully? I thought that the nitro, etc in glow fuel may eat away the seals and cause it to fail prematurely. If it works, and lasts, it'll be the way to go for all of us.
Thanks

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Captain Jim

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 4/9/2003 12:24:38 PM   
causeitflies



Posts: 32
Joined: 1/1/2003
From: Steubenville, OH, USA
Status: offline 		My first electric fuel pump was a Sonic-Tronics, Super X I believe, that lasted a year or two and then caused much trouble. After a lot of glue and silicon I finally gave up on it. Someone suggested the washer pump and I bought one. I tryed it out and it worked fine. While I was working out how to mount it to my field box, someone broke into my truck and stole my planes and field box.

To make a long story short, I was in the LHS buying the replacement box, panel, starter,etc., and saw the Sonic-Tronics Mark X pump and said "what the heck" and bought it with the rest of the stuff. It was only about $14.00 at the time I think. I planned on using the washer pump as a bakup if/when the Mark X gave up the ghost. Anyway, that was at least ten years ago and the Mark X is still going strong with no problems. Its seen a lot of time but half my flying has been gasoline so its not like I used it for all my flying.

So as far as longevity I really can't answer your question but the washer pumps are pretty cheap and the ingredients in washer fluid are similar to that in our glo fuel. I still have that washer pump somewhere in my workshop. Now that's one more thing I'll have to try to find.

< Message edited by causeitflies-RCU -- Apr 9 2003 7:30AM >

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Thats a great story... - 4/9/2003 4:48:16 PM   
Capt Jim


 

Posts: 1080
Joined: 4/14/2002
From: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Status: offline 		It appears that Sonic-Tronix is the front runner for glow fuels. I do not know if their popularity is well deserved, or a result of simply no other alternative at most hobby shops. In any case, it has been the Sonic-Tronics pumps that have been failing for me, and others. Your suggestion to try an auto windshied washer pump sounds like a good one, and I suspect that they are inexpensive too. Thanks for the tip, I'll try one soon.

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Captain Jim

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This is second hand info but.... - 4/10/2003 7:17:35 AM   
helicool



Posts: 126
Joined: 12/10/2002
From: Seffner, FL, USA
Status: offline 		This is second hand info but.... I have heard that glow does eat up washer pumps also. Although Im not sure how accurate that is considering most washer fluids are alcohol based Thats way they dont freeze well in winter. Oh, except when your trying to get to work in a hurry and use the washer fluid to clear your window of ice when its -5F outside. I grew up in Chicago and dont miss the cold!

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Rich
rmacys@tampabay.rr.com

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Will glow fuel destroy a gasoline fuel pump? - 4/23/2003 9:51:43 PM   
zusie


 

Posts: 73
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: Tecumseh, MI, USA
Status: offline 		For what it is worth, I just purchased a GASOLINE pump to get started in that end of the engine business and the outfit that offers it claims it can be used for glow fuel as well. Company is Sonic Tronics. (sonictronics.evisionsite.com)

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I have no faith in SonicTronics or its products - 4/30/2003 9:02:54 PM   
Capt Jim


 

Posts: 1080
Joined: 4/14/2002
From: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Status: offline 		SonicTronics is the maker of those pumps that have failed for me in the past. Weeks ago, I sent them a very nice email about the problem, requesting their comments, and they failed to respond. As far as I am concerned, SonicTronics is a supplier of poor quality, and their lack of performance in customer service speaks volumes of their weakness. I started this thread in order to try to locate a supplier of a HIGHER QUALITY pump, that will give good performance, but thanks anyway for your suggestion.

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Captain Jim

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Pumps that last. - 4/30/2003 9:24:57 PM   
Sport_Pilot



Posts: 7242
Joined: 1/21/2002
From: Acworth, GA, USA
Status: offline 		My research indicated that the manual Six Shooter and electric Slimline pumps are the only ones that last. The Slimline is a bit pricy, I bought the Six Shooter and so far it lasts well. I considered the washer pump as well. Though winshield washer fluid is less then 50% alcohol I figure it should last a while, there was a Kavan pump that looked exactly like a winshield washer pump, don't know if it is still available.

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       Post #: 14

Kavan pump - 5/1/2003 2:43:09 AM   
causeitflies



Posts: 32
Joined: 1/1/2003
From: Steubenville, OH, USA
Status: offline 		I bought the Kavan pump to use as a smoke fluid pump. It looks like a completely sealed pump and some guys use it for gasoline. It is a strong pump