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Old 10-19-2008 | 07:30 PM
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Default Fuel Consumption


Does anyone know how to calculate fuel consumption of a 50cc engine turning 8k rpm, using 50-1 oil mix. I know...many variables, but I don't want to tote more fuel than I need. I'm planning for smoke also.
The a/c is a Extra330L
Tnx
Zee
Old 10-19-2008 | 07:49 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

I figure about 1 ounce per minute
Old 10-20-2008 | 05:25 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

Hi,

a 50 cc engine at max throttle burns very close to 50 cc/min. With 30 cc per ounce, that is a fuel consumption rate of 1.66 oz/min. These estimates are very close based on my experience.

Elson
Old 10-20-2008 | 11:18 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

Works for me. I'm not allowed to provide those kinds of specifics anymore.
Old 10-20-2008 | 02:20 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

It's easy enough to measure fuel consumption. If you have a decent scale with the engine on the test bench weigh the fuel tank before and after running the engine for a known amount of time take into account fuel density and do the math.
Old 10-20-2008 | 03:53 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

How many will do that? Most won't even turn the needles on their carbs let alone measure something
Old 10-20-2008 | 04:36 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

The people who actually want to know.

The other way to do it which is even easier, is to put your fuel into a syringe without the plunger. Hook the fuel line to the outlet and time the run.
Old 10-20-2008 | 06:59 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

In my research "business" and others, the actual fuel consumption is an important piece of information.

Elson
Old 10-20-2008 | 07:56 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: rc bugman

In my research "business" and others, the actual fuel consumption is an important piece of information.

Elson
Thanks, Elson.
In my old bussiness of aircraft maintance, Specific Fuel Consumption of an engine was very important!

But I guess some of the half answers, by some wits, is better than none!!! LOL
Zee
Old 10-20-2008 | 10:03 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: ZebraOne


Does anyone know how to calculate fuel consumption of a 50cc engine turning 8k rpm, using 50-1 oil mix. I know...many variables, but I don't want to tote more fuel than I need. I'm planning for smoke also.
The a/c is a Extra330L
Tnx
Zee
Just get your airplane in the air and fly for say 10 min. After you land empty tank into a container to measure how much fuel was left in tank. Subtract that from how much your tank holds...and then you will know how much your engine used and calculate how long you can fly with your exact set-up. Simple. Capt,n
Old 10-21-2008 | 08:58 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

I agree with the capt... folks might plan to carry X ounces of fuel on board, based on an ounce per minute quote at full throttle, assuming the highest possible draw, with given prop...etc. However, if you are like me, I only like to carry what I need, and not much if any more. I see no point in carrying the extra weight in the planes I fly.

Since you are looking to run smoke, I completely understand your need to figure out what you must carry, vs what would simply work, so you can fit the tanks in place without fussing later.

I went this route, with a WOT quote, given prop, on a ZDZ80, and tanked my plane accordingly. I flew the snot out of it, several flights, exactly how I fly, not WOT the entire flight, of course....and I found after many flights, I would consistently use only a little more than 1/3 the recommended tank size for a 10-12 minute flight. I then went back in and retrofit a more appropriately sized tank for my application.

Perhaps before going with smoke, go with what the capt suggests. Put in a rough guess on tank size...fly and measure. Then permanently mount what you will know work for your application and flying style.
Old 10-21-2008 | 11:25 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


I agree. The only way you can figure this out is by testing. I have several DA-50s and each consumes a different amount.

1oz. per minute is a good starting point for a well tuned and broken-in engine, but the type of flying you do, together with ambient temperature, changes your consumption.



ORIGINAL: captinjohn


ORIGINAL: ZebraOne


Does anyone know how to calculate fuel consumption of a 50cc engine turning 8k rpm, using 50-1 oil mix. I know...many variables, but I don't want to tote more fuel than I need. I'm planning for smoke also.
The a/c is a Extra330L
Tnx
Zee
Just get your airplane in the air and fly for say 10 min. After you land empty tank into a container to measure how much fuel was left in tank. Subtract that from how much your tank holds...and then you will know how much your engine used and calculate how long you can fly with your exact set-up. Simple. Capt,n
Old 10-21-2008 | 11:36 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: arobatx

I agree with the capt... folks might plan to carry X ounces of fuel on board, based on an ounce per minute quote at full throttle, assuming the highest possible draw, with given prop...etc. However, if you are like me, I only like to carry what I need, and not much if any more. I see no point in carrying the extra weight in the planes I fly.

Since you are looking to run smoke, I completely understand your need to figure out what you must carry, vs what would simply work, so you can fit the tanks in place without fussing later.

I went this route, with a WOT quote, given prop, on a ZDZ80, and tanked my plane accordingly. I flew the snot out of it, several flights, exactly how I fly, not WOT the entire flight, of course....and I found after many flights, I would consistently use only a little more than 1/3 the recommended tank size for a 10-12 minute flight. I then went back in and retrofit a more appropriately sized tank for my application.

Perhaps before going with smoke, go with what the capt suggests. Put in a rough guess on tank size...fly and measure. Then permanently mount what you will know work for your application and flying style.
Good reply chad .... exact fuel consumption will vary depending on an indiciduals flying style, plane weight, plane type, etc. I know on a heavy warbird my fuel consumption would be considerable more than with the same engine mounted on a light weight aerobatic plane.
Old 10-21-2008 | 12:31 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

If you fly a similar routine you can do that. Years ago when electrics only flew for 4-5 minutes I had my flights down such that I would start my approach when my timer went off. I had just enough power to land on the first attempt every time. Nothing less, nothing more. I made the most of the battery I had on board. I became very good at landing this way, when I knew I was committed because there wasn't going to be a go around. I did break one airplane though, flying at an unfamiliar field.
Old 10-21-2008 | 12:35 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: arobatx

I agree with the capt... folks might plan to carry X ounces of fuel on board, based on an ounce per minute quote at full throttle, assuming the highest possible draw, with given prop...etc. However, if you are like me, I only like to carry what I need, and not much if any more. I see no point in carrying the extra weight in the planes I fly.

Since you are looking to run smoke, I completely understand your need to figure out what you must carry, vs what would simply work, so you can fit the tanks in place without fussing later.

I went this route, with a WOT quote, given prop, on a ZDZ80, and tanked my plane accordingly. I flew the snot out of it, several flights, exactly how I fly, not WOT the entire flight, of course....and I found after many flights, I would consistently use only a little more than 1/3 the recommended tank size for a 10-12 minute flight. I then went back in and retrofit a more appropriately sized tank for my application.

Perhaps before going with smoke, go with what the capt suggests. Put in a rough guess on tank size...fly and measure. Then permanently mount what you will know work for your application and flying style.
That's a good approach... Like you, I don't keep the hammer down all the time. There's that little stick on the left side of the magic box. The Extra 330L fuse. is a cavern! I can get my head into it! I'll mount a 500cc tank and see how it goes. My flights ususally last 10 or 12 minutes. It's reported by flyers of this particular machine that it's a floater, so a few dead sticks won't be the end of the world!
Zee
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Old 10-21-2008 | 11:19 PM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

You can always install a tank larger than necessary and measure the flight time against fuel use. Then you can adjust the fill by lowering the vent tube.

Also tanks are inexpensive and you can easily change the tank size later if desired.

I would start with a 12 to 16 oz tank.

Bill
Old 10-22-2008 | 06:43 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

The weight of the fuel is such a small percentage of all up weight that you can easily carry 50% extra an not even feel the difference.
Old 10-22-2008 | 09:16 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption

I agree with you in some applications, but not all of them. It is the same story with redundant batteries/switches, switching to A123 cells from multiple NiCd or NiMh to save ounces, carbon gear from aluminum, wing tubes...the works. We all learn eventually that it is not a single component choice and weight savings of a few ounces that makes a difference, its consistently choosing that way, when appropriate for the model and flight performance desired.

One example would be the 24oz tank I used to fill completely on a G62 powered ultimate, which I replaced with a 16oz (still more than I need), and the 11oz slimline wrap around muffler that was replaced with a 3oz alternative that ended up performing better. I understand that fluid ounces are not weighed similarly, pending the type of fluid, but it does add up! Losing a pound on a 16 lb model makes a BIG difference. I wouldn't treat warbirds like I do Imac or 3d machines, I like the locked in feeling the added weight provides in the warbirds.
Old 10-25-2008 | 01:25 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: BillS

You can always install a tank larger than necessary and measure the flight time against fuel use. Then you can adjust the fill by lowering the vent tube.

Also tanks are inexpensive and you can easily change the tank size later if desired.

I would start with a 12 to 16 oz tank.

Bill
Bill
Exactly what I did! God knows, there's a cavern in the belly of this beast!
By some calculations, burning 1.25oz a minute would make for a short flight, but I don't fly with the hammer down all the time! WOT only when necessary!
If I can get an average of 10>12 minutes, I'l be happy! Share the air, I say!
Have fun...that's what it's all about~~~~~
Zee
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Old 10-25-2008 | 08:15 AM
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Default RE: Fuel Consumption


ORIGINAL: BillS

You can always install a tank larger than necessary and measure the flight time against fuel use. Then you can adjust the fill by lowering the vent tube.

Also tanks are inexpensive and you can easily change the tank size later if desired.

I would start with a 12 to 16 oz tank.

Bill
Adjusting the FILL by lowering the vent tube...GOOD IDEA! Capt,n

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