Header tank - Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers2024-03-28T10:44:37Zhttps://zenith.aero/forum/topics/header-tank?xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThanks Dave.
Deantag:zenith.aero,2021-01-13:2606393:Comment:8030872021-01-13T04:23:07.806ZDean Bloodhttps://zenith.aero/profile/DeanBlood
<p>Thanks Dave. </p>
<p>Dean</p>
<p>Thanks Dave. </p>
<p>Dean</p> Hi Dean, I did install a simp…tag:zenith.aero,2021-01-12:2606393:Comment:8026332021-01-12T13:10:58.073ZDavid J. Beaulieuhttps://zenith.aero/profile/DavidJBeaulieu
<p>Hi Dean, I did install a simple off/on ball valve just forward of the front seat support, halfway up from the doorsill and floor. From there the fuel lines run a straight line to bulkhead fittings on the firewall and to the filter/pumps,etc. So exactly the way you are considering it sounds like. If I can grab a pic this week I will do so and post. The downside is that I cannot reach the valve from the right seat if flying fron that side. Supply and return lines (engine to header) are…</p>
<p>Hi Dean, I did install a simple off/on ball valve just forward of the front seat support, halfway up from the doorsill and floor. From there the fuel lines run a straight line to bulkhead fittings on the firewall and to the filter/pumps,etc. So exactly the way you are considering it sounds like. If I can grab a pic this week I will do so and post. The downside is that I cannot reach the valve from the right seat if flying fron that side. Supply and return lines (engine to header) are routed under the pilot seat, along the left cabin side to the firewall bulkhead fitting. Following the forward fuselage stiffeners/longeron also keeps an adequate slope in the lines for drainage back to the low point of the fuel sysem where the sump is below the header tank.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.zenith.aero/photo/skytec-header-tank-access-panel-and-closeout-panel/prev?context=user" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.zenith.aero/photo/skytec-header-tank-access-panel-and-cl...</a></p>
<p>Hope this helps, if not, keep asking!</p>
<p>Dave</p> David, I am building a 750 s…tag:zenith.aero,2021-01-11:2606393:Comment:8023772021-01-11T04:07:40.443ZDean Bloodhttps://zenith.aero/profile/DeanBlood
<p>David, I am building a 750 stol with the UL350is and Skytek header tank and hardline kit. From viewing your posts and photos, it looks like you are running the same combination. I have searched your build photos ( very good source of info I might add) and cannot find a photo of a fuel valve between header and pumps. Did you install one? I am considering putting one on pilot side cabin wall between front seat support and firewall within easy reach and visibility. Also where did you route…</p>
<p>David, I am building a 750 stol with the UL350is and Skytek header tank and hardline kit. From viewing your posts and photos, it looks like you are running the same combination. I have searched your build photos ( very good source of info I might add) and cannot find a photo of a fuel valve between header and pumps. Did you install one? I am considering putting one on pilot side cabin wall between front seat support and firewall within easy reach and visibility. Also where did you route your supply and return hoses from engine to header tank? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Dean</p> tag:zenith.aero,2019-01-14:2606393:Comment:6612072019-01-14T01:20:41.609ZJan Eggenfellnerhttps://zenith.aero/profile/JanEggenfellner
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uY-AI80BD1A?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uY-AI80BD1A?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p> Fred, thank you for the Vikin…tag:zenith.aero,2019-01-14:2606393:Comment:6611222019-01-14T00:52:29.732ZJan Eggenfellnerhttps://zenith.aero/profile/JanEggenfellner
<p>Fred, thank you for the Viking fuel system order. Viking or UL, they all need a reliable low of fuel. </p>
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<p>Here is a writeup we did a while back:</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.vikingaircraftengines.com/fuel-system.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FUEL SYSTEMS</a></p>
<p>Fred, thank you for the Viking fuel system order. Viking or UL, they all need a reliable low of fuel. </p>
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<p>Here is a writeup we did a while back:</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.vikingaircraftengines.com/fuel-system.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FUEL SYSTEMS</a></p> tag:zenith.aero,2018-12-14:2606393:Comment:6571812018-12-14T02:04:51.312ZJan Eggenfellnerhttps://zenith.aero/profile/JanEggenfellner
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/349603245?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/349603245?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/349603245?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/349603245?profile=original"/></a></p> Fred, will try to answer what…tag:zenith.aero,2018-12-13:2606393:Comment:6569152018-12-13T03:11:46.311ZDavid J. Beaulieuhttps://zenith.aero/profile/DavidJBeaulieu
<p>Fred, will try to answer what I think you are asking me.</p>
<p>(1) My 1/2" feed lines from the tanks each incorporate a service shutoff valve in the wing root area. My vent lines run free and clear from the header back to the tank. I did reduce the 1/2" vent lines to each tank down to 3/8" via a AN reducer. Like you, I had already plumbed (with 3/8" aluminum) and closed the wing portion containing the vent return plumbing to the outboard side of the tank. The right side tank fuel runs…</p>
<p>Fred, will try to answer what I think you are asking me.</p>
<p>(1) My 1/2" feed lines from the tanks each incorporate a service shutoff valve in the wing root area. My vent lines run free and clear from the header back to the tank. I did reduce the 1/2" vent lines to each tank down to 3/8" via a AN reducer. Like you, I had already plumbed (with 3/8" aluminum) and closed the wing portion containing the vent return plumbing to the outboard side of the tank. The right side tank fuel runs to the header through an additional crossover shutoff valve. I believe the plumbing difference (longer path and additional valve) creates a fuel flow difference contributing to unbalanced fuel tanks, which is not significant in my mind.</p>
<p>(2) One way I can envision the header tank being less than full is when unporting the fuel tank outlet during sustained steep banks or steep descents with low fuel levels in the main tanks. If leveling wings and pitch doesn't put out my fuel low warning lights/audio, then I may indeed only have what remains in the header. Clock starts running for a landing area at the point.</p>
<p>(3) I have the old style (Black) ECUs which requires two Red Cubes to give the Dynon the flow in and flow out data to calculate fuel flow rate via software. Mine are located just after the fine filter prior to the injectors and just after the fuel pressure regulator outlet but before the one way check valve located by the header tank return tube. If you have the new style ECUs, it use to be only one Red Cub was required to get fuel flow. But for some reason, I think that is also no longer the case and you may not even need a cube. I am not certain but am curious, so I need to do some research.</p>
<p>Cheers! Dave</p> Well done Fred!
Impressiv…tag:zenith.aero,2018-12-12:2606393:Comment:6570592018-12-12T20:27:22.704ZVictor Menkalhttps://zenith.aero/profile/VictorMenkal
<p>Well done Fred! </p>
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<p>Impressive to to say the least and thanx for sharing.</p>
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<p>I also went through mental gymnastics when building the plane regarding the fuel system including aerobatic type flexible intake lines in the tanks. In the end went with stock system albeit aluminum fuel lines, dual gascolators and a nice fuel selector valve on console.</p>
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<p>one thing that has been beat into my thick head over the years from some outstanding instructors and…</p>
<p>Well done Fred! </p>
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<p>Impressive to to say the least and thanx for sharing.</p>
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<p>I also went through mental gymnastics when building the plane regarding the fuel system including aerobatic type flexible intake lines in the tanks. In the end went with stock system albeit aluminum fuel lines, dual gascolators and a nice fuel selector valve on console.</p>
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<p>one thing that has been beat into my thick head over the years from some outstanding instructors and pilots is to never ever ever use aircraft fuel gauges and especially fuel flow meters to determine fuel quantity. Manually dipping the tanks before each flight, especially during a break during cross country flights, and using rpm for fuel consumption is the only data which is real and then I still apply a big fudge factor. The other lesson was to always fly with full tanks, one quarter tanks are considered empty.</p>
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<p>After all kinds of fancy improvements to the fuel system lots of time and money have finally gone back to what they tried to teach me, dip tanks rpm fuel consumption and fly with full tanks. The nice glass cockpit displays and numbers are only to impress ground pounders. Actually newest plane is all steam gauges, yes I’ve become a Luddite!</p>
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<p>I read with interest the previous discussions on the failed faucet fuel pump and have since removed same. Fuel flow increased by two times during tests lol.</p>
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<p>Just my experiences and thank you again for sharing yours. </p>
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<p>Cheers Vic</p>
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<p></p> David;
Thanks for the reply.…tag:zenith.aero,2018-12-12:2606393:Comment:6570082018-12-12T19:04:19.757ZFred Williamshttps://zenith.aero/profile/FredWilliams
<p>David;</p>
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<p>Thanks for the reply. Couple questions and comments. Are the feed lines and the vent lines from the individual tanks open with no valves? I saw in the video that they were concerned with fill rates. Shouldn't the tank be full at all times until the last 3 liters? I saw that they had some data regarding the fuel line diameter. Obviously, 1/2 inch line will flow several orders faster than 3/8. I have aluminum 3/8 lines from the tank to the wing root. Just…</p>
<p>David;</p>
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<p>Thanks for the reply. Couple questions and comments. Are the feed lines and the vent lines from the individual tanks open with no valves? I saw in the video that they were concerned with fill rates. Shouldn't the tank be full at all times until the last 3 liters? I saw that they had some data regarding the fuel line diameter. Obviously, 1/2 inch line will flow several orders faster than 3/8. I have aluminum 3/8 lines from the tank to the wing root. Just with gravity drainage I think my measured number was about 24 gal/hour thru the 3/ line. </p>
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<p>My questions about the viking installation are secondary to the volume of the tank and the ability to place it behind the back wall in the hell hole. My other question was the ability to change the pumps on the firewall to internal tank pumps. I'll check with viking before I get any further along. </p>
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<p>Thanks. </p>
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<p>Where in the system do you have the red cubes? I am installing the intake line between my fine filter and the intake and the out put after the one way check valve.. They also restrict the diameter to 1/4 inch thru the cube. </p>
<p></p> Link to header tank design by…tag:zenith.aero,2018-12-12:2606393:Comment:6569042018-12-12T16:15:35.677ZDavid J. Beaulieuhttps://zenith.aero/profile/DavidJBeaulieu
<p>Link to header tank design by Skytek and Rotax</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/videos-topmenu/builder/425-750-4" target="_blank">https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/videos-topmenu/builder/425-750-4</a></p>
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<p>Link to header tank design by Skytek and Rotax</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/videos-topmenu/builder/425-750-4" target="_blank">https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/videos-topmenu/builder/425-750-4</a></p>
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