BC-65 aux fuel tank

[John Loftus]

Hello Folks,
I'm new to the forum. I've started restoring my 1940 BC-65. Before I start asking questions I thought I'd try to contribute something.
My airplane has a 6 gal. aux tank behind the seat. I'm not sure if that's a common option so here's a photo and a description of the installation. Fuel is transferred to the main tank via an automotive-type fuel pump. The pump is mounted to the bungee supports and an operating lever extends forward to the right of the pilot. The tube running diagonally to the pilot's left operates the tank drain.
That's my small contribution. Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
John Loftus

[Guest]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Interesting.

Is that an item listed on the TCDS or an alteration made in the field?

Dave R

[Guest]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Answered my own question I see it is a TCDS item 115 or there abouts.

Very cool.

Dave R

[NC36061]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Wow, that is a very uncommon option on pre-war airplanes. I know the option existed but have never seen one in person. You have something very unique there.

[PA1195]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

I wonder what piece of local farm equipment sponsored that tank? It would be a good mod today with enough acceptable data. I can see an aluminum tank and electric transfer pump with supports similar to the original's design.

Edit: Something like this with the proper filler neck extension: http://shop.spunaluminumgastanks.com...e-Fill_c68.htm and http://shop.spunaluminumgastanks.com...e-Remote-V.htm

Gary

[N96337]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

It would be a good mod today with enough acceptable data.



Gary

It's already an approved mod if it's on the TC. No more paperwork necessary other than a log entry and weight and balance.
It really IS a neat setup....never seen one like it!! I like the simplicity!!
John

[Buckman]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

That is a neat tank, I wonder how many pumps does it take to empty that tank ? I guess you can pump more than the consumption of the engine (pump faster)? I would like to know exactly what pump that is #'s looks like a tractor fuel pump off of the old Massey Ferguson or the Ford 8n .

[PA1195]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Maybe John the thread's originator can take some more pictures of the installation as documentation? Belly fuel tanks for Cubs use an approved 12V electrical pump (Facet or similar) to transfer fuel to the wings. I'd rather have that than be distracted by a hand pump while flying.

Gary

[3Dreaming]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

If I remember right it is a Ford V8 pump. The tank is 6 gallons and I remember being told that it took a ungodly number of strokes to transfer the fuel. I think the number was 400 for the 6 gallons. Gravity is much simpler. Also it say under the baggage sling. If the airplane has a modified baggage it might not have room for the tank.

[astjp2]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Its located under the seat, the big baggage should not affect the installation. I would use the hand pump from a BT13, pumps faster than the ford diaphragm pump...

[3Dreaming]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

Its located under the seat, the big baggage should not affect the installation. I would use the hand pump from a BT13, pumps faster than the ford diaphragm pump...

We have or had a tank with brackets. It is definitely not under the seat. Go back and look at the picture he posted. The tank is behind the tube for the bottom of the seat sling.

[John Loftus]

Re: BC-65 aux fuel tank

I'm glad the tank info generated some interest. I removed the tank prior to priming the fuselage but here are a few more photos. The pump is an AC 3257. It looks like the T-Craft operating lever was brazed to the stock pump actuator. The odd-shaped bolts attach the pump to the bungee supports. The pump was inop when I flew the airplane so I don't know how quickly the fuel transfers. The tank is behind the seat and doesn't interfere with the normal baggage compartment. The other photo shows the tank outlet hardware. Let me know if there are questions and I'll try to answer.
John