Finger strainer

[Bryan Cotton]

Has anybody ever made a finger strainer? The stock one is made from a reducer bushing, and goes from 3/8" NPT to 1/4" NPT. Then there is a 1/4" union to go to the valve. If I could make one from a reducer union, I would save one fitting and it would be easier to plumb and keep the line downhill. This is because the assembly sticking out of the tank would be shorter, the -6AN fitting would be higher, and I'd have more room to make the fuel line.

[kmacht]

If you are going to change it then consider eliminating it and putting in something better. I never liked the idea of the finger strainer in the bottom of the tank. The strainer idea is good but the location sucks. If it were to slowly clog there is no good way to inspect it on the walk around to clue you in that there is a problem. I have a clear filter just after the tank exit and past the shutoff valve that I can visually inspect before each flight.

[n502pd]

If you are going to change it then consider eliminating it and putting in something better. I never liked the idea of the finger strainer in the bottom of the tank. The strainer idea is good but the location sucks. If it were to slowly clog there is no good way to inspect it on the walk around to clue you in that there is a problem. I have a clear filter just after the tank exit and past the shutoff valve that I can visually inspect before each flight.

You make a very good argument for NOT having a finger strainer. I will remove mine as a potential failure point, and add a clear filter after the fuel shutoff valve as you have indicated you have done. Great idea! I sure doent want to twist on the fittings on the tank any more than absolutely necessary, as the external filter can be serviced much easier. I would like to know the source, part number and maybe flowrate of the filter you have used, and is it glass or plastic? And if you have had to 'configure' special/strange adapters for the filter to mate to the AN fittings?

Thanks!

[sonex1374]

The finger strainer has very coarse mesh, and will only filter out large particles. This makes it unlikely that it will get plugged up from normal contaminants. The finger strainer is really just a large pre-filter, situated upstream of your gascolator or inline filter. You could eliminate it altogether, but removing it as a failure point may not really be necessary.

Think of what would happen if a piece of a paper towel or section of plastic wrapper accidentally fell into your tank. It could conceivably situate itself directly over the fuel outlet and plug it off completely. The finger strainer makes it hard for this to happen by increasing the surface area of the outlet. It's remote that you'll need this, but it is an effective strategy.

Jeff

[Bryan Cotton]

Most of our certified airplanes have a finger strainer. My motorcycles do also. I kind of like the idea.

[n502pd]

Other good points. what i was considering was the yearly recommended removal and inspection of the strainer, would put more stress on the opps fitting and its sealing prowess. if it aint broke...leaking...i am wanting not to over manipulate it. I have a REAL hard time getting even near the tank bottom since a nice doctor installed titanium in my back! been hiring my best friend to get in there by repairing his electronics for a corvette restoration!! thanks much for the opinion! I shall take it under advisment for sure!!

[Bryan Cotton]

The primary purpose of the hobby is that it is a good excuse to buy tools.
https://m.harborfreight.com/digital-ins ... 61839.html

[n502pd]

I have seen that too. Is the head small enough to fit the spark polug holes on the aerovee?

[Sonex1517]

Hi Joe

I believe it is, yes. I bought one last year and it fits in the spark plug hole.

[Bryan Cotton]

I bought a reducing union from Amazon for $4.
https://www.amazon.com/Anderson-Metals-Fitting-Reducing-Nipple/dp/B000BO6OLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541865727&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=anderson+metals+reducing+brass+nipple+3%2F8+1%2F4&dpPl=1&dpID=51G2GlwV6rL&ref=plSrch

I reamed out the big end to 1/2, just a small amount. A drill would work too.

I've saved a little over 1/2" of distance. This is totally worth it. I desoldered the screen off my other fitting and will solder it back in.