Thursday, June 14, 2018

Fuel System

This stage is looking fun. I am finally beginning to fabricate the on board systems. Today I am starting the fuel system. I ordered this upgraded fuel valve because it seems to be a major improvement over the original. This guy has a locking mechanism which prevents you from accidentally shutting the fuel off during flight. Looks cool too.

 

Begin by match drilling the mounting plate to the fuel valve tray. I will need to come up with some stainless bolts or something prettier.



Next is the main line from the valve output to the fuel pump mounted on the firewall. Starting with a coil.





Main fuel line is made from 3/8 aluminum however the tank vent lines are only 1/4. Here it the finished vent line right side. Looks the same on the left.



While I am making tubing, might as well work the break lines as well. Also made from 1/4. Feeling a bit artistic for a minute of two, I spent some time making all the angles square using the tubing bender. Looks pretty cool on the first run.









Now on to the opposite line.





Ok, so that right side is not as artistic. I ended up making the last turn a little high and rather than mar up the material moving the bend, I just ended up making it a longer sweeping turn. This will all be hidden under an access plate anyway. No harm done. You can also see the fuel line in the center.