Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

[hisoos]

Getting closer to getting my T-cart back in the air. We went to try to start it today and there was a minor fuel leak. After removing the fuel line from the gascolator, it plummeted to the ground. Both the threads on the gascolator and the mounting/distribution block are gone.

I need a replacement Tillotson (at least the top portion) and the mounting block.

Anyone got these in good shape?

[astjp2]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Replace it with an ACS one and don't worry about it till the next annual. Tim

[hisoos]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Thanks. I was looking at those. I was hoping to not have to drop that chunk of change if I could find one in good shape laying around the forum, but I won't hesitate long.

If I buy a replacement from ACS, do I need a 337? Also what else do I need to go along with it? I see a mounting bracket available. Does this mean it doesn't come with the mounting block/distribution unit? If that is the case, does the fuel supply and primer plug directly into it?

If the above is true, then we need to work on the relocation and associated challenges.

[astjp2]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

They can mount in the original location. Let your A&P install one that is a replacement. Tim

[hisoos]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Thanks so much for the info, but can you confirm whether it comes with the distribution block that also serves as the mount? I have to ask since mine is ruined as well. If not do you know where to find one?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Interesting that aviation fuel removes all the writing from the label on the ACS Gascolators! It also bolts right up like the ones Taylorcraft used originally except the "pot" is metal instead of glass.

Hank

[hisoos]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Hank do you know if the ACS one comes with the distribution block?

If not do you know where I can find one, or what to search for on ACS? Or do I just eliminate it? It looks like the ACS one may have the required ports to eliminate it.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

The ACS Gascolator from ASS is a great little product for your homebuilt, but like I said, if you spill fuel on it all the writing comes off of the tag and is very hard to tell from the certified one that looks just like it. The one from ASS didn't come with the distribution block but Taylorcraft used a standard threaded machined brass block that fits right up to it. Mine was original and looked just like what is sold in the hardware store now. What was on my plane was all original (the hoses were pure junk and EVERYTHING from the finger strainer to the Carb has been replaced now with braided aircraft hose and fittings). When you get a gascolator you can get the right threaded pieces to fit it in solid brass. We have a hardware supplier here who sells to the Navy for military jets so for me it was simple, but the same parts are available elsewhere for that homebuilt you are working on.

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

The top of the gascolator uses a 1/8" npt internal thread, you need to get a fitting that you can put in the 1/8" primer line into the top of the gascolator. It may require some shims to keep the gascolator tight on the engine mount. Tim

[hisoos]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Thanks so much for all the help.

[woodmw]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

You need to look at the fittings on the fuel hoses to and from the gascolator/distribution block. Also note the primer line fitting. My gascolator mounts as Tim describes, a copper T with female flared tubing connections opposite each other and single 1/8 NPT male connection that screws into the top of the gascolator. A couple of washers shim it tight. This is not a standard hardware store copper fitting. All I have found in the hardware stores as well as the mail order aircraft supply houses are NPT threads, not flared tubing. You may need to get new hose ends and some hose to make new fuel hoses.

[astjp2]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

Mcmaster carr carries the fittings in brass

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

A lot of people mistake brass for copper. DO NOT USE COPPER!!! Copper is for plumbing in your house, brass is much stronger! As Mike said, make sure you are getting the right thread fittings. Straight threads into taper or taper into straight is NOT a good idea, even if you can get it tight.

Hank

And DON'T USE TEFLON TAPE!!!!

[woodmw]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

My mistake, Hank.... Past my bedtime. I meant brass. Not copper. Tim, thanks for the lead on McMaster-Carr.

[3Dreaming]

Re: Need Tillotson Gascolator ASAP

I think the original fittings used an inverted flare for the primer line connection.