problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

Hey all. Yes, I'm a week old at this, and could therefore be doing anything wrong. :)
I have a Hobbico electric fuel pump, and am using it on a Superstar with a .40 LA. When I go to fill 'er up if I don't take the carb line off and plug it with my finger, the engine will flood. To the point of filling the muffler with fuel. I can't see through the tank to check the level, so I have to run that pump for a few seconds until fuel starts spraying from under my finger, shut the pump off, and then several tablespoons (or more?) blow out the hose. Then reconnect both lines and fly.
Yes, I'm pumping into the exhaust hose, with both lines off and a finger over the carb line. Is this right? Too much fuel pump for the little lines? Leave the carb line on and shut the needle valve?

This is getting way messy- thanks for the help

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

I am not sure what the proper procedue is, but I fill through the fuel line and I disconnect the exhaust line and hang it over the side of the plane. Soon as the exhaust line starts spitting fuel I know it is fuel. Again, this may not be the correct way, but it is how I do it.


Hope this helps,

Wings,

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

Yes I think you are doing something wrong. You should have 2 lines. One going from the tank to the carb. The other going from the muffler to the tank. The easiest thing to do is unhook both lines. Add fuel to the carb line. When your tank gets full a bit of fuel will come out of the pressure line to the muffler. The reason you unhook both lines is because as fuel goes in one line air from teh tank can escape from the other.

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

If I'm reading your post correctly, I think you're doing it backwards... disconnect the supply line from the tank where it enters the needle valve. This where the fuel goes in. Disconnect the pressure line from the tap on the muffler. Connect your fuel pump to the supply line from the tank, point the pressure line from the muffler in a safe direction and start pumping... when fuel comes out the muffler line, the tank is full. Some people will even connect a small fuel tank to the muffler line to catch any overflow

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

As the others have stated, you are fueling backwards. Remove the carb line and fill from there.

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

So I guess I am doing it right, lol. wasn't sure, but it works for me!


Wings

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

use a hand pump.

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

Yep the hand pump seems better, no point in cranking all that fuel into such a tiny tank in a big hurry and wasting fuel on the ground. I don't like the glow started cable having to be attached to the field box, and the electric starter in the box kit crapped out immediately. So all the goodies included that I bought the kit for, are the wrong way to go. Figures! :)

Anyway, sounds like I'm doing it backwards then, I will try filling into the needle valve line. Thanks!

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

Your electric pump is fine. You're gonna get a little fuel spilled even with a hand crank. Some guys use a glass jar with two fittings in the lid to catch the overflow.

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

2oz fuel tanks make a great catch can

Jim

RE: problem fueling w/ electric pump
 

So does an old 35mm film container. Just cut a small opening in the top and press in a piece of tubing.
Dennis-