SeamusG

Has anybody used a three line fuel tank installation with the 3rd line (refueling line)connected to an external quick fill fuel valve? It would allow the line to the HSneedle to be a short and straight shot.

Comments?

Scar

My Feedback: (3)

Sure, I have. Cub, Tequila Sunrise, FW190, maybe others.

Or a fuel "dot". Either way, convenient installation, not much extra work on the tank.

Good luck.
Dave Olson

SeamusG

Thanks Dave - 'preciate it.

What "brand" of valve do you use?

I've plumbed the fuel line (in a 2 line approach) between the tank and HS needle thru the side of the cowl with enough slack to allow pulling the line apart "outside" the cowl. A filter fits nicely too allowing for cleaning of the filter without removing the cowl.

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Then why the third line John? Fill the airplane at that point there is no need for a third line. I use two line systems on all my airplanes cowling or not and even my gassers.

John

jetmech05

I always use a 3 line system.....works great..With a fuel dot not a fueling valve...a valve will eventually leak causing dead sticks

Charlie P.

Agree. I have that on my Saratoga 40,andGiant Supersportster with just a simple fuel dot. The "valves" are for "T"ing into a two tube system.

SeamusG

JB- always worth asking questions. If ya don't ask then ya won't learn a damn thing will ya?

There is always an exception to a rule. If you only have a hammer then everything needs to be a nail.

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Also John one advantage of the external split carb line that you also used is in the case of a two stroke glow it gives you a very handy place to pinch the line for pinch tuning which one of the photos I posted illustrates.

Ya' see a hammer can really be a multi tasking tool


John

SeamusG

Yea - but I keep hittin' my fingers.

Em, Kingman - a friend built there - a guy named Wylie (Coyote)Timbrook. Ever cross paths?

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Hmm not familiar with that name, There is a fellow named tim that has been flying here for a few months lately though.

John

SeamusG

John - Ithink that you're cowl "external fuel line"approach motivated me in using the same approach on my Aero-works Edge. Thanks.

pmerritt

My Feedback: (118)

I won't say which picture but that sure looks tacky (fugly) to have all that fuel line protruding outside of a beautiful cowl.  Fuel dot (doesn't require hard pushing to get a filler adapter into) or fuel valve which can be mounted to a hard back so one doesn't compress and crack the cowl looks neat, proper and doesn't require butchering the cowl.  If one needs to constantly pinch test their engine, fly w/o a cowl until she's tuned. 
Now, on the other hand, having external visibility to a fuel line will allow one to check for bubbling and possible tank/hose leaks but that also is a routine maintenance issue and shouldn't have to be an every day checkup.  A full cowl is a full cowl.  It's painful enough to have to gouge it for exhaust, HSN and carb inlets the way it is.  Sometimes it's about looks and the others is about convenience I guess.

hairy46

My Feedback: (1)

That is such a great idea! Thank you for it!

jetmech05

I agree with Pmerrit I don't like the looks of the line going in and out of the cowl either....3 line for me...

landeck

My Feedback: (1)

+1

Bruce

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

I use both the three line and a dot plus the split line like John. Just depends on the plane and my mood at the time. Two line split is the easiest to set up and most trouble free but I do use the three line more often, No good reason but it just works out that way?

charlie1960

I use fuel dots on cowled engines.
Exposed engines i just pull the line off the carb to fuel and defuel.

flycatch

My Feedback: (26)

Your kidding. This and the two line system have been in existence for the past thirty years if not longer. Three line method is the way to go for both glow and gas. Fuel dots only inhance not distract from the appearence of the cowl. Don't invest in a chaep fuel dot get one sold by Sullivan.

SeamusG

flycatch - I've seen fuel dot lines hanging out the bottom of cowls - flopping in the breeze. I've also seen fuel dots that are flush mounted in either the cowl or fuse side and are pulled out to affect refueling. How do you mount yours?

flycatch

My Feedback: (26)

That is a common problem but easy to fix. I just run a larger ID tubing over the fuel line in use. This provides a form of locking mechanisim that the "o ring" on the fuel dot does not accomplish.

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Dots are usually mounted in the fuse and not the cowl unless reinforced with hardwood. There is an O-ring that is on the nipple end of the dot, the part that goes inside the tube part. The O-Ring makes it a tight squish fit. They aren't anything fancy. If you see the line dangling either the O-ring needs replacing or it has broken off completely.

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Also in the case of a completely exposed engine with rear needle valves there is never agine the need to use needlenose pliers every time you fuel when a simple split carb line is used

John

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Known fact it would still look better with a fuel dot!!!

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Nope, might just as well be better off corkin' it with the old outhouse door knob.

John

MTK

I agree...fuel dots clean up the outside of the model nicely. Sullivan makes a good one and Central Hobbies does also. A 2 line set-up works great for gas engines since the Walbro carbs prevent fuel backflow that will flood the engine

The only caveat in a fuel dot with 2 line plumbing for glow engines is that fuel when filling will hit the "tee" and travel in both directions, to the tank and the carb or pump. Carbs will flood and many pumps will allow just enough fuel through to flood just the same. For glow engines, it's better to have the fuel dot connected to the third or fill line. Also, the fuel dot should be placed higher than the tank to keep it from leaking as you remove the fill fitting