All,
Ed is correct. Wing tanks were NOT vented beginning with the 415-D and
the subsequent 415-CD. On
these models each wing tank vent to the header tank via individual
overflow lines.
Over a hundred 415-C airframes still unsold by dealers when the 415-CD
was announced were fully
factory-converted to full 415-CD model specification (including the
above piping).
These airframes received new 415-CD data plates. The date stamped was
the date of conversion.
They should have unvented wing tank caps, as should any airframe that
routes header tank overflow
to both wing tanks.
Roy is correct as to the forward-facing vent hole on ALL fuselage tank
caps.
Dan brings up the "enclosed bobber wire", better known as the "Rain
Pruf" gauge from Skyport. I like
this design because my exterior calibration marks are more visible and
easy to accurately monitor.
The one with a glass tube is for Auto or Avgas and originally came with
a Viton gasket. Those with a
Lexan tube are for Avgas ONLY and originally had a Buna-N rubber
gasket. I seem to recall that
neoprene was also once an option.
If someone picks up one of these on eBay or from an Oskosh bin they
need to know that the same rules
apply as to the original caps (i.e. whether there should be a
forward-facing vent hole or not).
As a final note, very early Ercoupe fuel caps could be installed
backwards (with the vent hole facing
rearward). Needless to say, reverse installation caused all sorts of
fuel venting problems until ERCO
started making them so they only go on one way. Again, if someone
bought a plane with the old caps
installed incorrectly, they might actually believe that a rearward
facing vent is correct. NOT SO!
Regards,
William R. Bayne
.____|-(o)-|____.
(Copyright 2009)
--
On Apr 7, 2009, at 16:31, [email protected] wrote:
Not all wing tanks are vented,
Some are unvented (without a hole in front of fuel cap)
On Apr 7, 2009, at 12:40, Roy Stubbs wrote:
The vent hole should be at the front edge of the fuel cap the same as
the wing tanks.
At least on my 415-C
Roy
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Caliendo Dan
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 12:58 PM
To: Glen Davis; Tech ety
Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] emergency landing Sunday
Importance: Low
Glad it all worked out well. My coupe has the glass tube enclosed
bobber wire and
I wasn't aware there was or should be a vent hole. Since I'm in a
wheelchair and
can't reach the header tank, can you tell me if and where the vent
hole is?
Thanks,
Dan
