Mike:: Overflow on the wings has happened on my Alon so often that I think it is "normal." Most Alons have sealed wing gas caps, and vent through the header tank cap. Proper sealing of the gasket to the tank is a great gas saver. On the other hand, reducing the angle of attack will reduce the low pressure area on the leading edge of the wing and will reduce the fuel loss. Gas on the top of the wings will find it's way under the wing root fillet, and into the upholstery and sound deadening fiberglass under the seat structure. that increases the fuel odor. Now if I could just come up with an absolute algebraic equation for this theory, I could have it named after me!
Wayne W. ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Willis To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 7:01 AM Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Overfilling header tank I often get a smell of Avgas during the take-off run, especially after I have refuelled the tanks to the top (as per the instructions in the manual). I'm certain that it comes from fuel going up the fuselage tank level indicator wire as I bounce down the runway. This is in a 1966 Alon A2. I did ask the airfield owner about resurfacing the runway for me but I'm afraid I can't repeat his reply! Mike On 26/10/07 14:45, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Chuck, It sounds to me like your overflow line from the header tank back to the wing tanks is either plugged or partially plugged. The fuel level in the header tank should never reach the top of the header tank, because the overflow in the header tank is set at a level lower than that. This isn't a problem with the filler cap gasket or the fuel pump, especially if you didn't have the problem before. A clogged overflow line or some trash blocking the overflow outlet in the header tank would cause this problem. I would start by looking in the tank with a mirror and flashlight to see how the overflow fitting looks. Let us know what you find! Wayne DelRossi -----Original Message----- From: chuck <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:42 am Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Overfilling header tank I fly an early 415-C (s/n 287) with the early fuel system plumbing. On a recent flight I smelled fuel in the cockpit (big red flag). After removing the header tank and checking for leaks, inspecting all screens, and fuel lines/connectors etc; and measuring the fuel pump restrictor (0.063) - all clean- my A&P and I are at a loss for causes. A recent test flight revealled a slight leak around the header tank filler cap, and the float gauge was at the top of the sight tube- and over fill condition. Any ideas for the next step? Replace filler cap gasket? Replace restrictor in fuel pump? Carefully monitor RPM (I have a 7146 extreme climb prop at my field elevation of 4160')? What rate does the fuel pump transfer fuel to the header tank? This condition had a rapid onset. Chuck Rosenfeld N87114 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail <http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/index.htm?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000970> ! ________________ Alon A2 A-188 G-HARY www.ercoupe.co.uk
