B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

[Mike]

My 1940 BL-65 has a 15 rib right wing with an auxiliary tank installed, but not plumbed. Does anyone have a drawing for the plumbing from the aux tank to the main tank, or some good photos of the setup? Also, are there any approved 337's for the wing tank installation I could use as a pattern for filing mine?

[Ragwing nut]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

There is a screen that goes into the tank followed by a 90* fitting. From there originally the fuel valve was there, but most people move them to under the panel where you won't bash your head on the valve handle. Tubing runs foward to the windshield and down the door post to just underneath the panel. Then turns and follows the bottom of the panel where the fuel was placed on later models and then into the back of the tank via another 90* fitting for one wing tank, or a T-fitting for 2 wing tanks.

This has been done hundreds of times so it should not be difficult to get approved. Check the type data sheet, you may be able to do it with a simple log book entry if shown as optional equipment.

Mike

[taylorcraftbc65]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

Mike,
Do you have any photos of the STOCK system? (Fuel valve over the door)? I have the tank in my ship, and believe it or not, it does NOT leak. The way they rigged the plumming for it looked like it belongs on a D-6 CAT though, and I would like for it to look right. Brie

[VictorBravo]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

Having the fuel valve above the door is indeed a pain in the ass and you do bash your head on it. Granted.

But having the fuel valve above the door allows you to stop the fuel flow directly at the tank, which in my opinion is well worth the hassle. If you had a cracked fuel line or fitting downstream of the tank, you can shut off the fuel and stop the leak.

If your fuel valve is under the panel you have no way to stop such a leak in the fuel supply line or fittings. Additionally, it creates several more points of failure or leaks in the vicinity of your magneto switch, any radios or batter powered devices, etc.

[cpirrmann]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

I don't know if it's factory or not, but my fuel line has a trap formed into it after leaving the valve, or it was just sloppily bent.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

sloppy bend , but it can have a "trap" in three point position "Usually" depends upon the mechanic. I too like the shut off at the tank, mine is that way and always flows to the main when turned on.

[Mike]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

Check the type data sheet, you may be able to do it with a simple log book entry if shown as optional equipment.

My serial number (1694) only has the fuselage tank as an option. Thanks for the description.

[1938BF50]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

Mike,

Here is a link to A-700(your TC). The fact that it lists an optional fuel tank will allow you( I believe) to add the tank with a logbook notation.

http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/bl-tcds.html

[Winston L.]

Re: B Model Wing Tank Plumbing

Yes, you can install it if it is on the TCDS with a logbook entry.