Gasline Installation

[selje]

I had the carb overhauled and a new gasline installed by an A&P/AI. About 6 months later on the annual inspection by another AI, he felt that I should replace the fuel line between the gasolator and carb with a longer one to get a greater bow in the line. He did not require it but only suggested this. I have a link to two images of this gasline -- what do you think?

http://home.carolina.rr.com/jself/gasline.html

[Robert Lees]

Re: Gasline Installation

Looks about the same as mine.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Gasline Installation

That is a flip of the coin, I would check it each preflight. could have used a wee bit more so there is no tension on the gascolator......

[NC36454]

Re: Gasline Installation

Maybe it's just the angle of the photo, but I'd say you're at about maximum now. Any additional length added to the fuel line would only put more strain on the gascolator. (based on the short distance from the carb to the gascolator) Actually, this is kinda funny...during one of my annuals (many years ago), my IA shortened that same fuel line! Not really because of the length, but because he didn't want me introducing another "gascolator" into the system.

Have fun (AND keep the IA happy!)
Ken

[Sloanlow]

Re: Gasline Installation

Tribe.

The bend radius data is available on that hose. judging from the pics, that bend radius looks good. Get a stratoflex or aeroquip catalog or go to the website and read up on that hose. Most hoses with reusable fittings are tube size hoses. meaning the ID matches the ID of a piece of tubing. As we all know tubing is measured from the outside diameter. The hose in the picture appears to be a piece of 3/8 or -6 (6/16). On the hose somewhere or on the fitting you will see -6 or -5 or -8 (sorry there is no -7 that i am aware of.) Exceeding the bend radius will result in pinching the tube.

Just doing a little looking I found bend radius info on Stratoflex 111-6 to be 4inches the -5 is 3.38 and the -8 is 4.63. this data comes from Aircraft spruce.

I'm no expert on this subject so do the research yourself. you have a good start here.

JA

[alwaysoar]

Re: Gasline Installation

If it's made longer it could end up robbing agains the cowl.

[selje]

Re: Gasline Installation

Thanks for all the help.

[whake]

Re: Gasline Installation

What did you do about the gas line to the carb...mine is a lot longer and the gasolator is free to swivel..but I get negative comments.

[Ron Babos]

Re: Gasline Installation

selje: The hose length and radius look fine. A bigger problem is the long unsupported copper tubing above the hose.
Ron

[VictorBravo]

Re: Gasline Installation

I have a link to two images of this gasline -- what do you think?

I agree with Rob. The line in the photos looks fine. If you're in the mood to make something safer, install a "firesleeve" over it. If you really want to put the issue to rest permanently, have a more flexible stainless braid /teflon hose made up that is smaller OD but the same ID and does not have to be replaced. The photo you linked to definitely is not too short, your IA is mistaken unless there is something not apparent in the pictures. If there is any notable tension on the gascolator for any reason, it is not right. That's the last thing you want in flight is something trying to apply loads to the gascolator!

[Len Petterson]

Re: Gasline Installation

Rules for any hose instalation!
(as I teach it in my hydrualic classes)
1,Hoses are like humans they last longer of they are 'comfertable"(;f
It means:
No sharp bends.
No kinks.
No twist in the hose.
Always use 2 wrenches then tithgning a connection, to stop the hose from twisting.
If you have to wressle the hose in place it is NOT comfertable!
Make it longer, ad an elbow. change direction of the conector.

Let the hose find it "own way".

2,Pressure rating, in a aircraft with max 5 psi if a pump is used there should not be a problem but read the text on the hose it should be there.
No rating, do not use!

3.The right composition for the fluid they shall carry.
Never switch fluid carryed as the fluid affects the lining and the "new" fluid affects it agin.

Teflon lined hose is virtualy impreviuse to anything and can handle about 420deg F +as well as high pressure.Lot more then the a fueline in a aircraft needs.
Fire sleeve it anyway you can not to safe!

4.Then removed and reinstalled: ALWAYS THE SAME WAY AS THEY CAME OFF! It has taken a shape with time and if it is a rubberlined hose it will give you problems if you change it's shape! Cracking of inside lineing etc.

5.For the same reason do not use old hoses!

6. When makeing a new hose assably, use lubrication (oil) and a mandrel inside the hose.
= Follow the manefactures instructions.

No fuel flo, no go.
"The primary function of the propeller is to keep the pilot cool, watch him or her sweat if it stops!"
The O - Sh--t factor is now over comfort level of the pilot

Len

[d.grimm]

Re: Gasline Installation

While you are at it, check the flexible oil pressure line on the co-pilots side rear of the engine. It should be a manufacured line with a built in orfice. (if the line breaks the oil doesn't come out so fast) 50% of the airplanes I look at don't have the proper oil line installed. (Including the one I just bought)

[VictorBravo]

Re: Gasline Installation

D. Grimm, is there a reason the line has to be "manufactured" with the orifice in the line, or does there just need to be an orifice in the system someplace? My plane has a 45 degree fitting with an orifice in the fitting (looks like it was filled with weld or solder then drilled, but looks like a purpose-built orifice fitting not a backyard boogie).

It had a standard rubber airplane hose to the firewall. I had a stainless/teflon flex hose made up because of an interference issue with the new cooling baffles I am making (don't ask). So there is an orifice in the line but it is not in the hose. Seems OK to me, but is there something I'm missing?

[selje]

Re: Gasline Installation

The solution was to go to a longer stainless/teflon type hose. This hose was more flexible than the more rigid older type hose and did not apply any force to the gasolator the way the older type hose did.

[RickLertzman]

Re: Gasline Installation

For Bill Berle:
I enjoy your page. I am trying to reach you to talk to him about a biography I am writing about Bob Cummings.

I want to talk with you about aviation and any knowledge you had about Bob's work as an aviator (the Aerocar and Molt Taylor, Beechcraft 18 etc.)

I also want to talk with you about your book and your father. You wrote a small paragraph about that in your great book about your father and Bob Cummings, and I'd like to talk with you. I know from the Cummings family that your father was the first speaker at Bob's funeral in 1990.


I have interviewed others, on another note, about Cummings work as an aviator and work with Molt Taylor on the Aerocar. I have talked to many aviators and would also like your input on that for this book, also.


I look forward to an opportunity to talk with you, at your convenience.

Thanks

Rick Lertzman
216 831 1360
[email protected]