Aux fuel tanks

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Aux fuel tanks

Postby WaiexN143NM » Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:26 am

Hi all,
Seeing jim hickes video with his aux tanks got me searching the web for aux tanks. Aircraft spruce has some aux fuel or oil tanks for the rv series aircraft. They have one that is 4.25 gal alum, would fit behind the seat back. Jan E( viking) had a modified tri gear waiex at osh a couple yrs ago with 5 gal wing aux tanks. Someone mentioned jim's may be the now defunct AeroMsx Co. What about pvc running in the nose ribs lightening holes? Looking to see if anyone has done an aux tank install, other than a portable system that would use up one seat space.

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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby peter anson » Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:28 am

Hi Michael, My guess is that this has come up several times before. Steve Woodham, Sonex 892, has done a neat one that fits behind the seat under the cross beam.
Image
Check his page on the Sonex Aus site http://sonexaus.wikispaces.com/Steve%27s+Sonex+892 for details. It boosts fuel capacity by 50% and leaves the seat free.

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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby jjbardell » Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:00 am

I designed an aux tank which I am happy with. Bill designed a similar but with an aluminum tank. I have detailed directions and parts needed to complete if you are interested. PM for the word doc. You can find the original thread here on page 3.

I have used it for 3 months now and the only change I would make would be to add more gallons. Probably the 8 gallon.

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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby planeolbob » Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:07 am

Here is the tank design study I have been fooling around with. If someone who knew carbon fiber would build one you could have your 5 gallons with one moving part, the valve. Anyway, it is something to explore.
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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby planeolbob » Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:07 am

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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby Bryan Cotton » Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:38 pm

How does Steve's tank mount? Hard to tell what holds it in from the pictures.
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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby WaiexN143NM » Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:02 pm

Hi all, peter, bob, josh,
Thanks for all the replies. Good discussion on retrofit aux tanks. Don bowen (waiex49) sent me some links for retrofit tanks for sonex aircraft. Jan E. Viking aircraft replied he doesnt make the tanks anymore. Here are some links to look at.
Mike kellys install : http://www.picasaweb.google.com/Sonex1284/AuxFuelTank
From spain : http://www.sonexauxiliarytank.wix.com
The sonex original molded tanks very robust , i dont think in any crash they have leaked. Would love more capacity for xc flying. Things to think about in tanks , construction material, lines , pumps, location, cg or stall spin changes. Crash implications.
Any other ideas?
Will email the spain link see if they are still producing plans or kits.
Josh, pls email to me your word doc plans to me.
Thanks all,
WaiexN143NM
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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby WaiexN143NM » Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:12 pm

Hi all here's a good link for spain,
Http://sonexauxiliarytank.wix.com/2013

Mike Kelleys link let me confirm
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Re: Aux fuel tanks

Postby fastj22 » Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:28 pm

Those seeking a behind the seat aux tank, keep in mind the sensitivity of CG by putting a lot of weight behind the seat. It will eliminate your baggage capacity. And if you have trouble transferring the fuel, you may be really aft CG on landing.
My aux tank sits next to me in the passenger seat. 6 gallons in a marine dinghy bow tank, (Moeller 6BOW). If I need the extra juice, I'm not carrying a passenger and it frees up my baggage space for that.

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