The solution for us would seem to be in somehow re routing the pressure
equalising tube to eliminate any U bends. At present there would seem to be
no means of pressure equalisation within the tank itself. The sight tube and
its return line would have little effect on this.
You seem to have cured your problem by re routing the return line of the
sight tube but not sure if this would work for us as we dont have the sight
tube against the seat back (as with yours).
What is most puzzling is that this is a relatively recent occurrence, having
had 5 relatively trouble free years of flying with the present arrangement.
It is just possible that the extension tube which is fitted within the fuel
tank (mod ???) to ensure the pressure equalisation tube is at the top of the
tank has fallen off but it is relatively easy to check this.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sidsel & Svein Johnsen" <sidsel.svein@oslo.online.no>
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2007 5:16 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: The Factory Fuel Sight Gauge
> <sidsel.svein@oslo.online.no>
>
> Carl,
>
> I have experienced similar problem as you describe. I have the sight tube
> between the seat backs, and I often got the same mis-readings and sudden
> drops in the air even though I first blew the vent tubes exactly as you
> describe.
>
> I suspected that fuel remained in the tube going over the fuel tank (under
> the top of the cockpit module) and back up alongside the filler pipe.
> Even
> with my trigear, on the ground there is a slight aft-down pitch attitude,
> so
> a "U" was formed there. Evidently, fuel still remained there at level
> cruise.
>
> I have cured the problem by new routing of the gauge tube from the top
> front
> of the cockpit module (where it used to go into the cockpit module). I
> cut
> the tube there, and instead used a copper tube going up along the front
> face
> of the cockpit module, into the right head rest through a hole drilled in
> the inner side near the fore left corner of the head rest, and continuing
> always up-up-up through the outer side of the head rest near the rear
> right
> corner and joining the original tube further up. Joined to the original
> sight tube both ends by inserting the copper tube into it and securing
> with
> small hose clamp. Painted copper tube where visible in colour matching
> the
> upholstery.
>
> Thus, I no longer have the "U" previously exisiting on top of the fuel
> tank,
> and the gauge reads just fine.
>
> ///
>
> Have you tried a good side slip after climb-out? Another Europa
> (monowheel)
> here in Norway does that to get rid of the fuel in his "U" in the gauge
> tube
> (I tried it, but my "U" was probably too deep - or perhaps I did'nt dear
> to
> slip hard enough!)
>
> Best regards,
> Svein
> LN-SKJ (test flying completed - regular airworthiness certificate
> received)
>
>
>
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