Need Wing Tank fuel valve

[Norm G]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

I'm in the process of restoring a 41 BC-12D with the Harer STC. The Imperial valves for the wing tanks are not a good option for me. The Pitts people are going for the Apollo 76-101 per Aviat SB. The problem for me is the 76-101 is 1/4 inch, and I believe Harer calls for a 3/8. The Apollo 76-102 valve looks to be the way to go, seeing that 3/8 aluminum tubing is what is the STC calls for. If I'm correct in selecting the 3/8 valve, where can I get two at a reasonable price? Any coments on what valves are best, and a source for them is appreciated.

Thanks, Norm G

[Ray36048]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Maybe these people....

http://www.valvestore.com/products.asp?dept=1322

[Len Petterson]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

A Appolo brass valve would do just as well as Stainles steel a ball valve has a large area i the open position Compare the inside diameter of 3/8 tubing and opening of 1/4" NPT ballvalve and it would be very close.
Ballvalve are consired free flow valve in meaning the no addional flow restriction in a plumbing/ pipeing system.
Yes use a Pematex type sealant on the treads!
Teflon tape is ONLY for house plumbing!
Try liquid teflon, what is good for anything! BUT! hard to take apart after a longer time. What is on good and bad!
The old brass cock valves can also be made like new with a little tothpaste
for lapping compound and fuel lube.

[blakecarl]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

..."Upgrade to modern valves" should be at the top of everyones T-Craft to-do list.
...Some folks have used the $30 Apollo 76-101 stainless steel ball valve. Since the Imperial valve is no longer made, I think the wording of AC 23-27 "Parts Substitution for Vintage Aircraft" would allow use of the Apollo valve with only a logbook entry. You can reference Aviat Service Bulletin #30, wherein Aviat's engineering dept. specifies the Apollo 76-101 as the substitute for the Imperial valve.

Bob – Thanks for this information. Replacing with modern valves would be the best way to go as far as I’m concerned. This looks like a relatively easy way to accomplish it. Every time I open or close the main fuel shutoff I worry that something is going to let loose in the valve.

Blake

PS: I'll be sure NOT to use teflon tape on the joints like the previous owner did!!

[rammon3]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Since the fuel flow requirements of a Pitts far exceed anything we use, I gotta think the 1/4" valve is plenty adequate for our needs.

[mulwyk]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Norm:
try searching "apollo valve" on eBay. Here's a link to new Apollo 76-101's selling for $26.88.

[blakecarl]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

If you look at the spec sheet for the Apollo 76-100 series valves, the opening in the ball valve itself is the same for the ¼” and the 3/8” valves, see attached. Since it appears that the only difference between these sizes is in the size of the connection on each end, I would think that an A&P would likely consider it reasonable to use either for work based on the Aviat SB.

[Norm G]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Thank you all for responding to my post. I didn't catch that the 1/4" and the 3/8" are actualy the same valves except for the connection. The replies are all helpfull, Brass vs Stainless. liquid teflon, resonable pricing source and the pdf file on Apollo spec.

My 5 year 1941 BC-12D project was signed off this week, OK to cover. The "to be done" things are: aux shutoff valves and vent lines. The copper vents per Harer STC are another story. The 1/4" copper tubing from the main tank going up to the top center of the cabin and connecting to each wing tank is at best a ugly setup. I don't see a way to do the vents any better, but vent lines should be another post.The post could be called, "Having the vents work and look good too".

Thanks again, Norm G

[astjp2]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

The Apollo valves are female/female, the ones that I have found and am working to get approval for are brass male/female. Tim

[N96337]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Since the fuel flow requirements of a Pitts far exceed anything we use, I gotta think the 1/4" valve is plenty adequate for our needs.

Not only that, but we're talking wing tanks here fellas.... they don't feed the engine directly, so it's not a huge panic if it didn't flow quite as much. Mine's got 2 ball valves in it, and they're wonderful.
JH

[Leenicklas]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

I put in new "home made" leather seals and still having leaks. Are we talking about the same "pin". The pin in my valve can be removed and floats freely in the shaft. When the valve is assembled, the pin sticks out on one side and hits the "c"ring in the valve limiting the movement of the valve to 90 degrees. Is this pin supposed to somehow be soldered in place?

[astjp2]

Re: Need Wing Tank fuel valve

Mine was soldered but it kept braking the solder connection. Tim