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Author Topic: Question on fuel tank & line routing  (Read 814 times)

Offline Jerry Rauch

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Question on fuel tank & line routing
« on: July 24, 2010, 07:12:01 AM »
I'm getting back into control line after many, many years (45)!!. Got a Sig Twister finished, a RSM Thunderbird almost done, and a Sterling Skylark almost ready for paint, so I'm about to start trying to fly again.  They each have old fox 35 stunts for power.  Question is do I just run the vent lines  like the old days, one up from the top vent, and one from the bottom, & plug the muffler nipple, or do I run muffler pressure?  I remember the old way did work back then, but technology does change...I'd like advice as to the best way to do this...

Thanks for any help!

Offline Paul Smith

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2010, 08:37:12 AM »
In the olden days (pre muffler), we used to accept the idea that the engine was rich at the beginning and leaner at the end.  Now we try to do better.
Paul Smith

Offline john e. holliday

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2010, 08:39:03 AM »
Best way is a uni-flo fuel tank behind the old Fox Stunt.  Do a search and you will find some good set ups. H^^
John E. "DOC" Holliday
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Offline Glen Wearden

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2010, 09:28:52 AM »
Jerry, I'm still a beginner at this, but I've found that Hayes clunk tanks really work well, for me at least, on profile planes.  They are very simple to plumb, and cheap.  For Fox 35s I just run a piece of fuel line from the vent (top nipple) over the engine into the prop wash.  That seems to provide the amount of pressure that make the engine happy.  For engines that like muffler pressure, like the LA 25, I just run a line from the muffler to the tank vent nipple.  This; of course, isn't uniflow, but it seems to give me good runs (like I know what a good run is !?!).  The Hayes tanks have two nipples above the pickup outlet, and the middle one is plugged.  If you want to fill not using the engine line, just drill out the middle nipple and use it for filling, but you have to fill SLOWLY.  Just some thoughts from a neophyte.

Glen Wearden
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Offline Bill Little

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2010, 01:46:24 PM »
Hi Jerry,

What you described will work fine for now.  I take it that you are not really scrambling to make the Top 20 Fly Off next year, so having planes to fly and have fun with seems to be your immediate goal.  Nothing at all wrong with that!  Sounds like you have the old *standard* vents on your tanks.  I have found that set up to work real good with the Fox .35  I have actually had some teething problems with the Fox and a uniflow.  it can be fixed, but if you have standard vents tanks, go with them.

There are more modern set ups, but what you are aiming for is the deciding factor.  Planes that will go out and fly the pattern in a good manner will do so with the Fox and the standard vents, no problem.  Saying that, you can make it a *science experiment* if you desire! ;D

Big Bear
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Offline Kim Mortimore

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2010, 10:13:08 PM »

.....Saying that, you can make it a *science experiment* if you desire!.....

Big Bear

Making your tanks removable can avoid headaches:  You don't have to make a final decision now.  You can start with what you have, as Bill suggested, see how it works, then try other tanks if you like.  If your first tank turns out to have a leak* or just won't give you a decent engine run, then you're not looking at surgery on a finished plane to remove and replace it.  Also, allowing for tank adjustment up and down if the engine speed changes when the plane is inverted or in outside maneuvers is helpful once you get beyond the first stage of remastering basic flight. 

*It's always a good idea to pressure-test your tanks for leaks: Plug all vents except one, attach an empty fuel syringe to the open vent, dunk the tank in a bowl of water, lean on the syringe and look for air bubbles forced out any holes in the tank.  (No water gets sucked into the tank).

Hope this helps,
Happy flying and welcome back!
Kim Mortimore
Santa Clara, CA

Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Question on fuel tank & line routing
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2010, 08:24:41 PM »
If you're not going to use muffler pressure, you still don't need to plug off the nipple on the muffler. It's just another outlet,  small tho it is.

I use a Hayes tank on my Fancherized Twister/Magnum XLS .36. I'm not sure I'd use one on a Fox, tho. It would be worth a try, I suppose. They are as bulletproof as any plastic tank you'll find. Mounting it on a profile and making it easily/accurately adjustable for height can be a challenge.  D>K Steve
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In 1944 18-20 year old's stormed beaches, and parachuted behind enemy lines to almost certain death.  In 2015 18-20 year old's need safe zones so people don't hurt their feelings.


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