RC Stout

My Feedback: (4)

I'm building a SIG 1/5 scale J3 cub, and I would like opinions on Fuel dots vs Easy fuelers and where would be the best place to install them, cowl or fuselage and do you need a third line coming from the tank to use these fuelers

redfox435cat

use a fuel fueler. The best place to put it on a cub is smack dab in the middle of the fuse right behind the cowl since it's the scale fueling location. can even rig a cover witha wire sticking up for acual scale apearance

Newc

I've used both and prefer the fuel dots. A prime reason for this is that the dots allow you to use your normal (standard) fuel connector that you use for all planes without a special system - the metal piece that goes into the fuel line. The fuelers require a special connector that goes on the end of the fuel line from your fuel source. In this (fueler) case you can either remove the standard connector and put the special one on or you can have the special connector at the end of a small length of fuel line and put this on the standard connector and then into the fueler connection on the plane. In either case there's an additional step rquired, but probably most important - at least to me - is that the special connector can be left at home or lost, leaving you with no way to fuel the plane when you are at the field.

Yep, I left mine at home once when I took a couple of planes to the field. One I was able to fly, the other sat there in the pits!

piper_chuck

My Feedback: (12)

I've got a couple easy fillers and haven't had problems with them. However, enough people here have reported problems with them that I've switched to 3 line setups with fuel dots. If you can fit it in the fuselage, do that, having it backed up with wood is better than the thin cowl. It also simplifies cowl removal.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

I prefer fuel dots. I mount them on the cowl if my fuel tank is up against the firewall. If I move my fuel tank back over the CG, then I usually mount them on the fuselage to make removing/installing the cowl easier.

pilotpete2

If you check out Slimlines new fuel fittings you'll see they combine the advantages of each. It works like a fueler valve being cut into the line from the tank to the carb
but does not have a valve, the fuel probe sends fuel to the tank only totally blocking off the carb line, the supplied probe has an integrated fuel filter and the tip is perfect for connecting directly to fuel tubing. They sell a complete package including the probe with O rings for glow or gas, you can then buy the "Dots" individualy as your fleet grows.
There stuff isin't cheap but the quality is tops.
Oh, and by the way I'm not on their payroll!!

Joe14580

Noob here.

Can someone post a link to this "fuel dot" product please.

Is it this one ?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAHE1&P=7

Thanks

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

These are superior and come in two per package: [link]http://www.pspmfg.com/FuelDotsRegular.html[/link]

Dauntae

These are the slimline ones pilotpete2 was talking about, I have a few and they work great and won't pop out (they thread in) just don't forget to put the cap back on before you take off [X(] NO I'd never do THAT hehe
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEXX1&P=ML

Dauntae

Gringo Flyer

My Feedback: (18)

The dubro ones are the only ones that I know of that tower carries but I have one installed on a plane and I think they look a little junky.

RC Stout

My Feedback: (4)

Great I've decided to use the DOTs , now my next question,do I need a third line coming from the carb? I have always diconnected the vent line from the muffler and then disconnected the line from the carb and filled the tank until it ran out the vent tube then. Does anyone have a drawing or a link to a drawing on how this setup works?
Thanks Royal

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

On any engine other than YS, you will need a three-line setup: one vent line to the muffler pressure fitting, one feed line connected directly to the carb, and the third line connected to the fuel dot for fueling and defueling. I like to connect a second clunk to the third line.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

I've tried almost every brand of fuel dots and finally settled down on the ones from PSP Manufacturing. These are the best, IMHO:



The cap snaps in easily and removes easily (long fingernails not required). However, once it snaps in place, it stays in place.

crownvic

I have also switched to the fuel dots after way to many problems with the fuelers! mostly with them sticking in the open position or sucking air there are no valves in the fuel dots.

winglift

My Feedback: (10)

I have used fuel dots on a Freestyle with a YS and have had no problems, but I am having problems doing the same set up (3 line) on a Saito and no matter which line I use to fill the tank it starts coming out of the exhaust, via the carb I am assuming. The fuelers, such as the Slimline will eliminate that problem, but does anyone have a suggestion how to solve this issue without going to a fueler?

Thanks.

Ernie Misner

Do you have the muffler pressure line set up so it goes into the very top of the fuel tank? For your third line, do you have a clunk in the tank, and hooked up to the Dot? If so, no fuel should come out the muffler line until the tank is full.

Ernie

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Here is how to set up a 3 line tank (Note, some people use a clunk on the third line, but if you set it up like this you don't need one)

Cub Man

My Feedback: (50)

for all thoes that are moving from the filler to dots dont throw them away send them my way. Only problem I have had was with one that was 4 years old and it needed a new o ring in it. I have used the Dubro large and small glo and gas

winglift

My Feedback: (10)

MinnFlyer It is exactly like that except I am using the Great Planes fuel tank which only has one accomidation for the clunk and the other two are above that and have no internal access. See photo. This was the only 14 oz tank that fit well.

Ernie Misner

Minn Flyer, in the photo, that 3rd line just stays there on the bottom of the tank due to the bend it the tubing it attaches to?

Thanks,

Ernie

da Rock

winglift,
With that tank, use the top connection for your pressure line. It will serve also as your full tank indicator. When the tank is full, fuel will start to drip out of your muffler.

The middle connection is good for your filler line. A filler line doesn't have to go any particular place inside the tank to work. It does facilitate pumping out the tank to have that line go where MinnFlyer shows his going. I'm using that tank and have put a "T" into the fuel pickup line. I use the line off the "T" to fuel and pump out the tank. You can have a 2 line setup like that, or a 3 line setup if you also run a fill line from the middle with a "T" on the pickup line and that works great too. In that 3 line setup, I simply made plugs for two lines.

Making plugs is simple. Some small bolts fit fuel line tightly. I cut them short and dip the threaded end into epoxy when I've got some mixed. The epoxy cures to a ball. Then I drill holes through the cowl that are just very slightly larger than the fuel line. When I have the fuel line plugged, the epoxy ball slightly expands the diameter of the fule line. That bulge is a "pop" fit through the hole in the cowl and holds the end of the fuel line securely. It's an extremely simple solution and looks clean on the outside of the model. It costs almost nothing to do and adds no significant weight to the model. Or you can buy the plugs at the hobby shop for about a $1 a pack of four. This beats fuel dots for me bigtime. No effort involved beyond drilling the hole. Almost zero weight.

rclement

My Feedback: (1)

I think I'm going to change to the fuel dots. I've about had it with the other type leaking and not being sure if they are leaning out the engine. [>:]

Hi Ernie!

feep

I tried one of those easy fuelers on my 1/4 scale eindecker and since I'm a slow learner I went through 3 bad dead stick landings before I realized that the valve was sticking open and sucking air. My problems always occured at take offs. Now I have a fuel dot.There may be a 3rd line involved but the fuel dot adhears to the "kiss" principle. And I have had no problems with it since I installed it. I'm building an Ultra sport 40 and I am actually thinking of using an easy fueler valve because I installed the tank with only 2 lines and it will be very dificult to fuel. But this is only a 40 size and they can sometimes cartwheel across the ground without too much damage. On a 1/4 scale size aircraft when you have a problem its a different story. On my large scale stuff I won't be taking any more chances

Cyberwolf

My Feedback: (4)

I've delt with all the sticky leaky fuel filler valves all I care for .I use Great planes line dots cheap and always work great.You dont need to use a 3 line setup with 2 clunks like I do ,you can tee off the carb line and just run the two ,but make sure when you fill it the carb is closed ,other wise I have seen some mighty flooded engines and a lot of wasted fuel .
I use a brass tube to drill a hole just larger then the fuel line ,when the dot expands the line its a pop in fit .

winglift

My Feedback: (10)

Thanks Cyberwolf. I think you just solved my problem. I never even thought of closing the carb when filling it. I'm going to try it and will let you know.