Hi! All
The only logical reason is theory that if the main tank filter/gascolator
blocks then presuming you never use the reserve side it SHOULD give you an
uncontaminated supply if used in "anger".
The problem arises ,however, that with the Europa "saddle tank" arangement
using the port side as the main tank the most crap put in via the Starboard
positioned filler will be likely to stay in the starboard side and if you
have this as reserve side the reserve gascolator will be likely to block up
very quickly immediately you switch to reserve(that is if you have had a
port side blockage)
So. the ideal would be :-
a) use the port side as reserve and always fill the tank brim full to ensure
the new reserve is always topped up. Then the most dirty fuel settles out in
the starboard side and the reserve will be more likely to run a clean fuel .
b)Impossible with the Europa tank, fill from the Port side allowing it to
over flow the saddle and always replenish the starboard side now reserve. !
c) Occassionally drain the entire contents of the reserve side via the water
drain mod, or even drain both main and reserve.
But why are we so concerned when we should be meticulously clean with all
fuel going in.
I always fill from a polythene jug so you can see and de-cant any sediment,
but you can't
see what goes in direct from the refuelling bowser.
Regards
Bob Harrison G-PTAG
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa@post.aviators.net
Subject: Re: Gascolator
For what it's worth
I can see no logical reason for using two Gascolators in the fuel system,
other than to add extra weight, extra connections, and the need to check on
an extra item.
The idea that an additional source of filtration will make it less likely
that dirty fuel will result in an engine stoppage is nonsense (apologies!).
If the fuel is so dirty or contaminated that it will block the first
gascolator, then it will almost certainly block the second one as quickly.
The only logical use I can see for a two gascolator arrangement is to give
early warning that there is a problem with the fuel system. This can be
achieved just as easily by fitting a fuel pressure gauge.
I know I have said this before and I don't think that I can overemphasise it
but contaminated fuel should simply not be allowed to get into the fuel tank
in the first place (obviously water is a different matter). It is very easy
to devise an arrangement that filters the fuel as it is being poured into
the fuel tank. This is by far the best way of preventing a blockage in the
fuel system.
A single gascolator system is perfectly satisfactory provided the fuel is
clean, and most importantly the gascolator is regularly checked regularly
for debris.
The gascolator on our aircraft is situated so that it can be reached from
below the aircraft and checked in the normal way with the standard fuel
tester. The bulkhead on which it is mounted can also be removed for regular
checks of the gauze strainer. In addition there is a fuel pressure gauge
installed in the system.
Message -----
From: DJA727@aol.com
Subject: Gascolator
A question for the group:
I am starting to install my custom designed fuel system with all 3/8 inch
aluminum tubing. That is custom designed as soon as I get through designing
it! My main question is:
Where have people installed their gascolators - if they have installed them?
I plan in 2 - one for each tank outlet. I have not installed the baggage
bulkhead yet and am assuming that the lines must be routed back in that
area - maybe mounted to one of the 4 square supports under the baggage
bulkhead? The fuel lines would go from the tanks back to the gascolators and
then forward to the fuel selector valve and then forward to the engine from
there.
Also, with the 914 engine and 2 carbs, does the fuel line split and go to
each carb -- a "Y" connection? Right now I am planning a bulkhead "T"
fitting to split the fuel lines out to the 32 separate carbs.
Thanks,
Dave Anderson
Nevada
A227 - mono wheel motorglider.
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