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j ferguson · 22 July 2009, 06:12 AM

Joe,
I didn't intend to condemn the FE2b fuel system which John McKenzie has so kindly described. I think it is a very intelligent scheme. Its principal advantage is the gravity feed "service" tank with the simple sight gage. This tank acts as a buffer between the pressurized tanks and the carburetor. This reduces the possibility of the pressurized fuel system causing any mischief with the carburetor float system. John M. reports that you could valve pressurized fuel past the service tank directly to the carb. if you wanted.

In the event that the wind-driven air pump fails, you can hand-pump fuel to the service tank from either of the other tanks. A short burst of pumping might be sufficient to fill the service tank so you could fly a while before repeatng the procedure.

On a plane lacking the gravity feed service tank, you would have to hand pump repeatedly to keep fuel moving in the event of an air-pump failure.

Were check-valves installed on other air-pressurized systems to preserve pressure in event of air-pump failure?

Finally, It might be good to know where the overflow on the FE2b service tank goes. I would think it couldn't go to either of other tanks because they are pressurized.

Once you accept the idea of having pressurized fuel tanks, the FE2b system seems a good one.

22 July 2009, 06:12 AM	#274 (permalink)
j ferguson Forum Ace Join Date: May 2006 Location: Intracoastal Waterway, USA Posts: 581	Ancient fuel systems Joe, I didn't intend to condemn the FE2b fuel system which John McKenzie has so kindly described. I think it is a very intelligent scheme. Its principal advantage is the gravity feed "service" tank with the simple sight gage. This tank acts as a buffer between the pressurized tanks and the carburetor. This reduces the possibility of the pressurized fuel system causing any mischief with the carburetor float system. John M. reports that you could valve pressurized fuel past the service tank directly to the carb. if you wanted. In the event that the wind-driven air pump fails, you can hand-pump fuel to the service tank from either of the other tanks. A short burst of pumping might be sufficient to fill the service tank so you could fly a while before repeatng the procedure. On a plane lacking the gravity feed service tank, you would have to hand pump repeatedly to keep fuel moving in the event of an air-pump failure. Were check-valves installed on other air-pressurized systems to preserve pressure in event of air-pump failure? Finally, It might be good to know where the overflow on the FE2b service tank goes. I would think it couldn't go to either of other tanks because they are pressurized. Once you accept the idea of having pressurized fuel tanks, the FE2b system seems a good one. __________________ Just because you didn't get the bill, doesn't mean the lunch was free. Last edited by j ferguson; 22 July 2009 at 01:42 PM.