Gas Helicopter Fuel Tank Plumbing - My Way

[carey shurley]

generally I replace all fuel tubing every year or so......just because

I've had some of the tubing sitting submerged in fuel now for about 4 months. Its just sitting there, still flexible

now, to be fair, its lantern fuel. I don't run gasoline

[al_voisine]

Great thread!

Should be sticky-ed.

AL

[al_voisine]

Thanks, Carey

Great Thread, should be sticky-ed!

Al

[carey shurley]

I've been trying to take a different approach on this forum, rather than sticky stuff that I think is important, I keep the Index, which IS in the sticky section up to date

If the forum ever supports adding thumbnails to the topics, that will be a more clear way for folks too see what the topics are at a glance

[ben_beyer]

Originally Posted by carey shurley

generally I replace all fuel tubing every year or so......just because

I've had some of the tubing sitting submerged in fuel now for about 4 months. Its just sitting there, still flexible

now, to be fair, its lantern fuel. I don't run gasoline

Are you still using the Zenoah line in the tank or is it Tygon now too?

[carey shurley]

no I continue to use the black fuel line that comes with Zenoah motors.

[blade77]

Thankyou for a great post with clear explanation - I will use this info on my helibug

[carey shurley]

great! I'll admit the approach is more complex than it could be, but it works every time and takes one more thing out of the potential problem list

[cbrkhan]

Carey,

I am new to gasssrs and have just purchased a Whiplash. I have a question on fuel tank plumbing
I really like the simple setup in this post with

1. Vent -- with tube coil top
2. Fuel Inlet –feed line to the carb
3. Fuel Return -- line from the carb with T

In your Whiplash build thread the instructions are a little bit different and there is a fourth outlet there for “Overflow”. I understand that the tanks can be plumbed in many different ways.

My question is, if I wanted to plumb my tank like this post, can I use the “Overflow” (on top of the tank) for vent and install my tube coil on it?

[carey shurley]

yes absolutely

if you are using the coiled tube as a vent, attach it to the molded nipple on the top of the tank

then use the supplied fitting as the return line from the carb primer. Plumb in a "T" fitting with a removeable plug. Fill the tank using this

run the fuel pickup/inlet line directly to the carb with no fittings, filters or anything else just a directl line to the carb pickup.

this setup will work perfectly

the 4 connection approach is needed if you are using a one-way vent valve.

[VonRecktofen]

Hi Carey,
Now that MA has unfortunately gone the way of the buggy whip, (very sad, by the way), is there anywhere else to source the fuel tank fittings?

I'm trying to complete my Trex 600 Helibug conversion project, and I would like to set up the fuel tank/lines your way....

Thanks for any ideas!

Franz in NJ

[carey shurley]

looks like Bergen RC has something

part #1852 which is about the same parts as I was using from MA

[jharkin]

Originally Posted by Charliedontsurf

Hi Carey,
Now that MA has unfortunately gone the way of the buggy whip, (very sad, by the way), is there anywhere else to source the fuel tank fittings?

Tettra makes fuel fittings, they are commonly used by pattern/F3A pilots. You can get them from Central Hobbies.

http://www.centralhobbies.com/Fuel/fittings.htm

[VonRecktofen]

Thanks Carey and jharkin!
Franz in NJ

[Calil]

Thanks Carey, I'm using your scheme in my T-Rex 600 and works great!!!!

Actually thanks to you and the gasser guys around here that I was able to fly this bird!!

[cruzroy]

90 degree inlet - Miniature Aircraft part #MA0410-90

[carey shurley]

I also offer a complete plumbing kit - Gas fuel plumbing parts

[fourbie]

Many thanks for a great thread.

[cruzroy]

90 degree fuel fittings.....where to get now....cant find

[carey shurley]

I am told MA will eventually make them again, you might want to touch base with Ron Lund