Quick logic check please

[mhorowit]

This weekend I had an opportunity to look over a Tcraft which had been restored by the owner who is an IA.

I opened the cowling and the gascolator wasn't where I expected it. I located it low on the firewall. I asked as innocently as possible if it wasn't a gravity flow system which would require the gascolator to be at least level with the carburator. He said 'yes', but got around that problem by insuring he never went below a certain level of fuel in the main tank, thereby keeping a minimum head pressure. That struck me as an accident waiting to happen, and something my home A&P would never allow. I didn't say anything.

I also noticed there were only three inspection plates on each wing vice the normal 8(?) and there was only one plate at the tailsection.

1. Am I correct about the gascolator postion?
2. Can an annual be adequetely done with only three plates per wing and only one at the tailcone?

- Mike

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Quick logic check please

The gascolater should be at the lowest part of the fuel system, that's where you want the water to collect. The dip won't affect fuel flow, think about those plastic tubing colored-liquid-filled levels. If there aren't enough inspection holes make more. Should have the rings already there.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Quick logic check please

What kind of "Tcraft" some had gascolator low on firewall, like previous reply that is a good spot.... Look at the abortion we have for draining the F-22's
( five spots to get your knees dirty in one preflight...) ( actually three and two where you can bump your head) sorry about the one in Lancaster, weather and schedule has made it impossible....still trying.

[mhorowit]

Re: Quick logic check please

What kind of "Tcraft" sorry about the one in Lancaster, weather and schedule has made it impossible....still trying.

Much appreciate the effort you are going thru - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: Quick logic check please

The gascolater should be at the lowest part of the fuel system, that's where you want the water to collect. The dip won't affect fuel flow, think about those plastic tubing colored-liquid-filled levels. If there aren't enough inspection holes make more. Should have the rings already there.

OK - I see the error in my logic. Being lower on the firewall simply requires MORE fuel INITIALLY and there is probably enough fuel in the tubing to avoid a problem. - Mike

[alwaysoar]

Re: Quick logic check please

My question is, are the rings already there? There's a ratty TCraft with very old fabric near here with only a few rings installed. Those spars haven't been inspected in years.

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Quick logic check please

The fuel is in the carb already. {with everything working as it should}, if there's fuel in the tank there's fuel in the carb.

[mhorowit]

Re: Quick logic check please

My question is, are the rings already there? There's a ratty TCraft with very old fabric near here with only a few rings installed. Those spars haven't been inspected in years.

Rings not there; which brings another question for which I'll start another thread - Mike