Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
 Three- line setup >

Three- line setup

Community
Search
Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

Three- line setup

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-08-2010 | 07:00 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Anderson, IN
Default Three- line setup

Anyone know how to do a three line fuel setup on a Great Planes 10oz tank? It has a sealed hard third nipple that is supposed to be for this purpose (I guess) The problem is that you cant get a pickup tube on the back side of it. How can you get the fuel out if this is the case? Is there something I'm missing? Also what manufacturer of fuel dots do you guys use? Links would be great!

Thanks all!
Old 03-08-2010 | 07:10 PM
  #2  
Live Wire's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Sterling , CO
Default RE: Three- line setup

One is fill ,one is vent and one is pickup for carb. No line needed on the third line
Old 03-08-2010 | 07:19 PM
  #3  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Anderson, IN
Default RE: Three- line setup

Yeah but how do I empty the tank then after flying?  The third line would just suck the top 1/3 of the tank then stop with a lot of fuel left.
Old 03-08-2010 | 07:53 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
My Feedback: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Brookville, PA
Default RE: Three- line setup

Every thing you need to know right here![sm=wink_smile.gif]

[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=1068[/link]
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:13 PM
  #5  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Anderson, IN
Default RE: Three- line setup

Wonder, I get the standard three line setup and outlined in this article. However on the Great Planes Tank, there is a vent forged plastic nipple that goes to my muffler, then directly underneith another but closed forged plastic nipple for fill (I guess) that you can snip to open up, the the singgle stopper an nipple that go to the carb. This article does not address this issue. Here's a pic of the tank I have. Any suggestions?

Well it basically looks like this, They have changed the stopper nut assembly but no change to the fill design.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Da83244.jpg
Views:	27
Size:	11.4 KB
ID:	1393909  
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:24 PM
  #6  
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: KS
Default RE: Three- line setup

capt; i had one of those tanks, you are correct, snip open the extra nipple to use as a fill line, can't defuel with it, however, I found these http://ecsvr.com/abm/ShopDisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes, simply fits in-line on the line going from the tank to the carb, you can fill and defuel, they really work slick
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:26 PM
  #7  
Live Wire's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Sterling , CO
Default RE: Three- line setup

You drain your tank through the pick up line Most of the time I do not have anough fuel to drain
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:29 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Anderson, IN
Default RE: Three- line setup

Live Wire, my pickup line is enclosed in a cowling attached to my carb.
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:38 PM
  #9  
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: KS
Default RE: Three- line setup

this is a little better picture of the filler, the line from your tank hooks up to one nipple, the other nipple goes to the carb, to fill just unhook the small piece of tube in the middle and fill, to drain, hook up to the same small piece and drain, you can even use it to do a pinch test plus you only have to use two lines

http://www.airborne-models.com/html/...asp?AGroupID=4
Old 03-08-2010 | 08:46 PM
  #10  
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: KS
Default RE: Three- line setup

you could drain the tank by standing the plane on it's nose so all the fuel goes to the nipple, but depending on your plane, might be a PIA
Old 03-08-2010 | 09:21 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
My Feedback: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Brookville, PA
Default RE: Three- line setup

I saw in another post where a guy ran the fuel line from the tank out through the cowling, put a connector on and then ran the line back in to the engine.
Disconnect the line outside to fill and drain.

I have done this on other planes when I could not get at the needle valve to disconnect it.

TW
Old 03-08-2010 | 09:26 PM
  #12  
Live Wire's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Sterling , CO
Default RE: Three- line setup

You should have no problems now , great responses.
Old 03-09-2010 | 12:12 AM
  #13  
JohnBuckner's Avatar
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,441
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
From: Kingman, AZ
Default RE: Three- line setup

-
That tank is similar to all the Hayes tanks but not as reliable and true they do not lend themselves to three line systems. Indeed they as well as the Hayes should be used with the more reliable two line system just like every trainer out there and they are defueled in exactly the same way you defuel your trainer, through the carb feed line. A simple cut somewhere along the carb feed line with a short length of tank tubing is where you fuel and defuel from.


Cowling are no brainers just run that feed line out and back in a hole or slot in the cowl almost anywhere. This has the hugh advantage especially with two strokes by providing somewhere to tune to a pinch. Also with inverted installations provides a place for hemostats if needed.


I have posted many photo sets showing exactly how its done. It has fewer failure modes than any other fuel system. That means the most reliablity possible and fewer lost flying days due to than other systems various problems.

That RCU artical linked above is excellent except it summarily dismisses two line systems when cowlings are used and leaves the impression one must use a three line system or some other anytime a cowl is used and nothing could be further from the truth.

Even a two line system on a completly exposed engine when done the same with a simple split carb feed line and connector tube is a big advantage when you can,t reach back into the remote needle valve, The solution is not a third line its a 3/8 piece of tube and cut in the feed line.

John
Old 03-09-2010 | 07:53 AM
  #14  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Anderson, IN
Default RE: Three- line setup

So I'm putting this on a Corsair and want the lines to be hidden and would like to use a fuel dot so I think I'm just going to invest in a Sullivan or Dubro tank and be done with it.  Thanks for all the advise guys![8D]
Old 03-09-2010 | 10:07 AM
  #15  
MinnFlyer's Avatar
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,519
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
From: Willmar, MN
Default RE: Three- line setup


ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner


That RCU artical linked above is excellent except it summarily dismisses two line systems when cowlings are used and leaves the impression one must use a three line system or some other anytime a cowl is used and nothing could be further from the truth.
You are correct John. I guess I was too focused on the application of the 3-Line system.

Oh well, if I were perfect, I'd run for "God"

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.