ORIGINAL: TommyWatson
Dave,
HAve you asked all the other R54 flyers if they are having any problems with the "Reversed" fuel tank. I have only had a few flights
but have have had no trouble with flameouts. I ran the engine on the ground many times and held the nose up for a few seconds. I did a vertical climb on sunday and it was about half way into the flight so the tank was not full.
Am I correct in assuming that you are the only one with a Kevlar tank? I am just about to install my Keval tank. I am a bit nervous about that now.
What sort of tube are you using inside the tank?. I use BVM tube. It is very soft.
Regards
Tommy,
It WILL run perfectly sitting on the ground, meaning no air in the UAT. I take off and fly for a few minutes and low and behold, air in the UAT. Yes, I'm using a Jet Tech tank...I don't see why this would be a problem. The first flameout I ran the UAT dry at 6 minutes.
The last flame out occurred with @ 1/4 tank on take off. "Just shooting touch and goes". I'm certain the fuel was pulled to the rear of the tank during take off acceleration and climbout. You guessed it..Just as I retracted the gear..she quit. Off field landing, she'll fly again with a conventional tank layout as soon as I reinstall the boattail and fix the crumpled leading edge. I'll post pictures. Its easy enough.
Bruce makes a beautiful airplane. It's the fuel system that is not working for ME.
Dave Rigotti
Maybe its my style of flying. I fly it fairly aggressive with many loops, rolls and combo manuvers. I HATE snap rolls so I don't do 'em.