3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

[Dano"T"]

Anyone know a source for the 3/8" main fuel valve on the bottom of nose tank for a Harer STC project? The drawing says "Imperial #108-HD-3/8" or Equiv. 3/8" N.P.T ports".

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

DanoT,

I have developed a 337 to replace my fuel valves with the Fastenal p/n 427003 ball valve. See a photo on the Fastenal web site. This ball valve has a chrome plated brass ball in a teflon seat. This is similar to a fuel valve as sold in the Wicks and Spruce catalogs in that is is a brass 3/8 valve with a teflon seat.

HOWEVER, the Fastenal valve can be modified so that is follows the Taylorcraft form-fit-function geometry. Most ball valves have the valve handle parallel to the valve body for ON and perpendicular for OFF. I have removed the OEM operating lever and replaced it with my own design which allows the lever to be in a 45 degree position for ON and OFF as the T-craft needs. My modification also allows the valve stem to exit to the left so it fits under the nose tank correctly. This latter is difficult to do with the Wicks/Spruce valve because the valve stops are constructed differently.

I can post a photo when I get home this evening if you wish. I am awaiting a meeting with the FSDO for 337 approval.

In your case, since the STC says "...or equivalent." I would think you could use the Fastenal Valve with my modified lever right now with no fuss.

Fastenal has stores all over the country, but they were happy to take my order on their web site. The best part is that the valve costs $6.99

Since the Fastenal valve is 3/8 pipe and the fuel lines are 3/8 flare, you need the standard fittings to make the change from thread to flare at each end of the valve:
AN 818 nut, AN 819 flare fitting AN 816 nipple, and a 3/8 x 1/4 brass bushing. The brass bushing is a Home Depot plumbing part.

[N96337]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

By all means please post some pics, Mark!!
Thanks
JH

[Dano"T"]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

Classic aero support has some...they are $60 bucks though. Mark I'm liking your idea better! The one's Classic Aero uses are complete with the fittings and I need the new valve to get the plane out of the shop....post us a picture if you can Mark so I can decide which way to go. Classic Aero says theirs is tested to 18GPH fuel flow....should be okay for my C90 powered T-Craft at 5.5GPH.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

Photos of Fastenal valve with my own design lever are attached. I'm still waiting for FAA to return my calls for a 337, but I think this will work plenty fine.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

wag aero sells one for a cub. I wouldn't know how, but I think it fits on the t just fine.

Richard B.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

The Cub part in the Wag Aero Catalog would probably work fine, but it is only a 1/4 " valve and it costs 97 bucks vs 7. The 3/8 ball valve that Wag Aero and everyone else sells is vitually identical to the Fastenal valve, but again it is a question of cost. I tend to squeeze a nickel until the indian is riding on the buffalo

[Dano"T"]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

It's funny how an 85HP cub uses 1/4" fuel lines and a T-Craft goes to 3/8"" anyhow.....I bought the one from Classic Aero and my existing linkage should work....then I have to install the new gascolator w/3/8" ports....good thing I happen to have a brand new one...those are quite pricey from wag or spruce...

[Ragwing nut]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

Photos of Fastenal valve with my own design lever are attached. I'm still waiting for FAA to return my calls for a 337, but I think this will work plenty fine.

I did the same thing you did. I just cut a pie shape in the handle, rewelded and shortend it until I got the correct geometry. Works flawless. Got mine from ACE Hardware for $10-$15.

Mike

[high time cub]

Re: 3/8" Main Fuel Valve Source?

The 3/8 ball valve that Wag Aero and everyone else sells is vitually identical to the Fastenal valve, but again it is a question of cost. I tend to squeeze a nickel until the indian is riding on the buffalo [/QUOTE]

Home Depot sells the identical 3/8" Miniature Fuel Valve (Italian Beauty!) for $5.00