Microlighters

hi all,

thought I would post an update on an upgrade I did to my fuel drains on ZU-DYB - I have had a recent drain seepage problem after replacing and servicing them numerous times. I decided that since I was too scared to check uel before each flight for fear of leacking drains and loosing fuel in flight, I decided to change and upgrade them to Curtis FAA approved Brass units.

The original ones (silver ones in the pics below) operate with a spring and O-ring, where the O-ring is pulled against a sealing face. The problem here is that if the O-ring breaks or dislodges, the entire drain falls apart and you will loose fuel at a RAPID rate (moral of the story - DO NOT PUL OR TWIST YOUR DRAINS) - the newer solid brass units have a tapered machined face and operate internally with small O-rings for a backup. If for any reason the O-rings are worn, or damaged, the two machined angled faces will seal against one another - and the drain cannot come apart - so worst case you might have a drip from the drains, but never a full on failure and fuel pouring out the tanks in flight.

since fitted, not a drop of fuel, and the normal fuel drain is maintained for checking fuel, and you cannot push the drain skew or break it -- etc

Hi Turbo

GOOD plan!!!

Twice I had to drain my tank to replace the o ring with the "viton" (sp?) type. Where did you source it from?

Btw I need to know if you still do the Cheetah brake upgrade kits please please. I very nearly had an incident again the weekend when one of my students flew. Still no news from the factory regarding the brake upgrade. They promised a solution after Oskosh. It is nearly Oskosh time again...................

I will apply for a minor mod approval myself if we can get your nod for my Cheetah.

Regards

Larry

Flybynite --

I have a spare set which I ordered for a mate, but seems like he doesn't want them anymore. You welcome to have them - ill show you the invoice, ill give them to you at the same price I paid for them. R386.50 INCL VAT each. I have checked fuel 13 times now since I fitted them, and not a drop leaks out! Problem solved!


Regards the brakes - yes I can help you out with that, I just do not have too much time now due to my financial year end, but I will be able to put some spare time aside for this upgrade again soon. Hang in there, I will sort you out aswell as a few others soon. Apologies but work comes first.

Hi Turbo,

Where do you source the fuel drains from?
Would be interested in one.

Regards,
Arnulf

Thanks Turbo,

Please pm me your bank details so that I can deposit.

Regards

Larry

Arnulf -- I get them from a gent who is doing some specialized work on the Navion. Ill ask him if he can strings again and let you know. he works for a boss and buys n his bosses account to get the discount.

Flybynite -- you got mail.

Thanks.

Now the question is if they have the same thread as the original one in the tank of an aquilla?
The original looks the same as your old one.

Regards,
Arnulf

Thanks Turbo - Payment done........

Pleasure Larry

Let me know once you have them installed, you won't be sorry, I'm so happy with them!


Ps:--- Mike, pleasure.... I'm glad you ordered 6 drains from my contact. Hopefully you will stop using those unreliable old drains in the cheetahs in future - progress is always a good thing!!

Turbo wrote:hi all,

thought I would post an update on an upgrade I did to my fuel drains on ZU-DYB - I have had a recent drain seepage problem after replacing and servicing them numerous times. I decided that since I was too scared to check uel before each flight for fear of leacking drains and loosing fuel in flight, I decided to change and upgrade them to Curtis FAA approved Brass units.

The original ones (silver ones in the pics below) operate with a spring and O-ring, where the O-ring is pulled against a sealing face. The problem here is that if the O-ring breaks or dislodges, the entire drain falls apart and you will loose fuel at a RAPID rate (moral of the story - DO NOT PUL OR TWIST YOUR DRAINS) - the newer solid brass units have a tapered machined face and operate internally with small O-rings for a backup. If for any reason the O-rings are worn, or damaged, the two machined angled faces will seal against one another - and the drain cannot come apart - so worst case you might have a drip from the drains, but never a full on failure and fuel pouring out the tanks in flight.

since fitted, not a drop of fuel, and the normal fuel drain is maintained for checking fuel, and you cannot push the drain skew or break it -- etc

Hi Turbo,
Do you perhaps have a part number so we can try and source them down under?

MC Guyver

I don't have any more, and my packaging is thrown away -- flybynite -- please check the Curtis part# on your packaging so we can all benefit from it.

thanks Larry!!

Hi Guys,

Was away the weekend. Will check this evening and post the part no here!

Regards

Larry

Hi Guys,

I'm interested in one of those drain plugs, can someone please help me contact details, a price and a collection point...

Many regards

Rhodie

Here it is.........

flybynite wrote:Here it is.........

Many thanks