Hi Georgia, Then main reason to keep the tanks full of fuel is to try to prevent condensation. Condensation occurs when air containing water vapor is contacted against a cold surface. The water drains to the bottom of the tank, as it is more dense than gasoline.
Now on a daily basis, as part of the pre-flight inspection, the pilot drains the fuel tank sumps to remove any water condensed, or accidently allowed into the tanks. This can occur from driving rain, water entering thru loose fuel caps, or contaminated fuel. Also, it is good practice to check the sumps after re-fueling...., in fact any time the engine is shut down, I recommend that the gascolater be checked. There may be some trapped water in the tanks that is now transferred to the gascolater. The Gascolater is a filter / water seperator just prior to the carburetter. Aviation fuel is colored 80 octane is red; 100 is blue, etc.... This allows you to be sure that what drains out is separated in the test cup as to water/fuel......One should continue to drain the tank sumps until there is no more water coming out. A mixture of fuels turns everything clear....originally designed to make you aware of fuel mix.... This is not so important today, as Auto unleaded fuel is clear.....so one has to be more vigilent, as the the demarcation line between the fuel and any water is not as noticeable. One also smells the test cup to assure it is gasoline.... You drain each tank, the carburetter Gascolater, and on many airplanes the low point in the fuel system if it is other than the tanks, etc... If one has to re-fuel from a portable fuel can, the fuel should be poured thru a chamois skin, as this separates the potential water from the gasoline. Regards, Harry --------------------------------- to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________________ Follow the U.S. presidential race on our Politics list! http://www.topica.com/lists/politics
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