As evidenced by this question, I am new to the gas plane world and the use of pumps for fueling is stumping me. I am used to chainsaws and the like where you open a cap and pour in gas. Why is it standard for people to use fuel pumps (be they electric or hand crank) in line with a fueling line?

1) Is gravity not sufficient because the fueling lines are of such small diameter that it would simply take forever to fill?
2) If this is true, could I, a cheapskate, use a bike pump or similar to pressurize the filling jug (attach a schrader valve or something) rather than buying a specialized pump that goes inline with the fuel line?
3) Or some other option. I would even just add a screw cap to the top of the tank, but it seems like tanks don't come that way.
4) Or I should just buy a handcrank...

Yes hand pump, DC volt pump 6-12v, pumps are designed for gas or glow you can't swap them or the rubber parts will be destroyed, for now you can pour your fuel into a squeezable container and adapt a tube and squeeze the fuel in, something like a catsup bottle with a pointed spout to push your hose on. There may be a half dozen different ways to get the fuel into your tank end result is the same whatever it takes and yes gravity siphon will work too just takes a long few minutes.

The air pressure method with a tire pump works pretty good. But you could use the one way valve squeeze bulb they use with small outboard boat motors too. You squeeze the bulb and it pumps fuel one way. Reverse it to defuel the tank. I remember years ago that most everyone was using the boat squeeze pumps with their airplanes. I still have a couple of them myself too.

But I prefer the hand crank pumps nowadays. I like to use Dave Brown's Six Shooter manual pump. For gasoline it is a bit more stiff than the glow engine version, but it works well. Albeit on a cold winter day it can be too stiff and not work as well. But the Dave Brown Six shooters tend to be ultra reliable and keep on working when others break..

I am also using a couple of hand crank gear pumps now too. They work pretty good too. Years ago they were prone to start leaking after a while, But the current ones do not seem to have that problem anymore.

I have used electric pumps off and on, but they have the disadvantage of needing a battery to run them with. You have a problem if the battery isn't working.

I liked the big syringes we used for fueling with, but the ones they sell do not do well with gasoline though as the rubber plunger deteriorates in them.
I would like to see a long tube device, like a long syringe plunger with graduated markings on the side. You draw the fuel into the tube pulling on the plunger up to the number of ounces or millileters you need. Then you connect it to the fuel tank and push the plunger down filling the fuel tank. I might think about it some more it might be a doable device for fueling and defueling a plane with. I could use a length of tubing, machine a plunger with some o-rings on it and thread a rod for it and put on a handle for it. Mark on the rod some fuel tank fill markings. Then fit the other end with a fuel fitting of some type for the fuel tubing.

The RC car people were about the only ones using a larger fuel cap on the fuel tanks. But for RC planes it didn't happen as usually people wanted a small easy to hide fuel fill/unfill method.

great thanks for the info. I may try to cheap squeeze method for awhile, but I could see myself eventually breaking down for a pump...

Are you new to model engines in general? The glow variety have always required a pump as well. A cheap hand crank pump should be very easy to locate. Tower hobbies sells them.

Yep, grab yourself a manual crank type pump and save yourself a lot of grief. They are inexpensive and work well for everything but the bigger models with 50+ ounce fuel tanks, that'll wear you out cranking... lol

Oh, make SURE it's for gasoline and not just glow fuel.

Most cheap hand crank pumps will last many years if you when done fueling, crank the pump dry of gas. Once in a while spray silicone spray so it lubes the internal parts. I picked up a extra one at a swap meet for a dollar. It was gummed up & did not want to crank at all. I really lubed it up good with a few squirts of silicone & it then worked like new!

I know the OP was about not using pumps, but I tried various methods and ended up with a Dubro Kwik Fill Hand Crank Fuel Pump. It is a fantastic product, and the model 911 comes with the fuel tank fittings as well, compatible with glow fuel and gasoline. Having been involved in a gas fire caused by electrical equipment, I'll never use an electric pump with a gasser. You don't know where the fumes will go, but if there is a spark, it is "ka-whoosh" time.

I have used the gravity method since 1989 while my flying buddies have purchased many pumps over the same time. Heck I just recently purchased a 2 gallon can since the original 1 1/4 gallon can is too small for todays engine sizes. I have a 4 foot hose on the can and let gravity do the work, at the end of the day I siphon the fuel out.

I used the gravity method for years, too. It works well, and the parts never wear out, or let you down.

4 years old and still cranking! Appears to be the same one Tower is selling, but who knows?
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...ch=hand%20pump

I tried the Dave Brown pump. Makes a much better wrist exerciser than a fuel pump. Slow and stiff, I wouldn't recommend one at all.

Me neither. I bought one of the electric gas pumps from Hobby King, but have yet to put it into use. I think it will be fine. The only reason other company's gas pumps cost so much is liability really.

Avoid the "Gas Passer" pump as I had nothing but problems with the one I had, and I paid 40+ bucks for it.

AV8TOR