Fuel capacity

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Fuel capacity

Postby Kbellard » Wed Feb 28, 2018 2:36 pm

Recently purchased a sonex with jabiru 3300, have not tested fuel burn yet but will probably need to increase fuel capacity. Any suggestions on auxillary tank, what is your fuel burn, or would changing to aero carb be the way to go
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby NWade » Wed Feb 28, 2018 3:47 pm

I recommend you use the "Search" box in the upper right corner of the page - there are lots of good forum discussions on this topic. Also check out the SonexFlight podcast, Episode 18 where this was the main topic.

http://sonexflight.com/18/index.html

Enjoy!

--Noel
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby peter anson » Wed Feb 28, 2018 9:28 pm

I have done quite a few trips in my Jab 3300 powered Sonex with the stock Bing carb. My fuel consumption averages around 19 litres per hour (5 gallons/hr) with a best of 18 l/h (4.75 g/h) and worst of 20 l/h (5.25 g/h). I have detailed fuel consumption figures on most of my trip reports http://www.ansoneng.com/sample-page/sonex-trips/.

Peter
Sonex 894, 352 hours
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby sonex892. » Thu Mar 01, 2018 7:56 am

I also have a 3300 with a bing carb and concur with Petes fuel burn estimates. Mostly it burns 19 litres per hr. I flight plan 20 LPH at 130 kts.

As far as additional fuel goes there are a few different ideas out there. Here is one old thread.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3037&hilit=aux+fuel

If you want a copy of what I did. PM me with an email address and I'll send you the plans.

Steve
Sonex 892, 292 hrs
Steve
Lazair kit 1981 sold
Sonerai 2LS plansbuilt 2003 sold
Sonex kit 2010
Sonerai 2LS project rotax 912
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby radfordc » Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:17 am

peter anson wrote:I have done quite a few trips in my Jab 3300 powered Sonex with the stock Bing carb. My fuel consumption averages around 19 litres per hour (5 gallons/hr) with a best of 18 l/h (4.75 g/h) and worst of 20 l/h (5.25 g/h).


A 5 gal/hr burn gives over 2 hours of range with a reserve. I never wanted to be in my Sonex for much over 2 hours at a time!
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby DCASonex » Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:30 am

If trying to get maximum range from a 3300 powered Sonex, and using a Bing carb, add a HACman mixture control. That will lean mixture as effectually as an AeroCarb. I tend to use a bit more fuel than others have indicated, usually about 5.5 GPH, but may be due to cruising at slightly higher RPM, or at lower altitudes.

David A. Sonex TD, CAMit 3300.
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby LarryEWaiex121 » Thu Mar 01, 2018 1:49 pm

David,

Right with you there on the fuel consumption figure.
I virtually can't tell any difference in my Camit vs. Jabiru on consumption with they Aero-Injector Carb. I thought the slightly higher compression might change something, but no.
I think our slightly higher figure might come from running a bit richer during climb than the Bing might do? That's just a guess on my part, since I've never flown a Bing on either my Jabiru or the Camit.
Weather around N. Idaho has been unfriendly towards VFR flight most of the winter. I guess its to be expected but I still don't much care for it since I no longer ski or snowmobile.
Now winter is just a drag on my flying time.

Larry
Waiex121YX, Dynon Skyview, Camit 3300
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby markschaible » Thu Mar 01, 2018 5:13 pm

Kbellard wrote:Recently purchased a sonex with jabiru 3300, have not tested fuel burn yet but will probably need to increase fuel capacity. Any suggestions on auxillary tank, what is your fuel burn, or would changing to aero carb be the way to go


As they say, this article is "an oldie, but a goodie": https://www.sonexaircraft.com/35-dollar-hamburger/
Last edited by markschaible on Thu Mar 01, 2018 5:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby wlarson861 » Sat Mar 03, 2018 3:34 am

Thanks Mark, I was looking for this the other day. You made it easy!
Bill Larson
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Sonex, polished, tail wheel, Generation 4 Jabiru 3300
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Re: Fuel capacity

Postby pilotdriver » Mon May 14, 2018 10:29 am

I bought a Jegs 5 gallon clear fuel cell. I hooked a small Facet pump to the upper hole in the tank used for the tube fuel gauge.
I have a 2200 sonex and my range has increased by over an hour. I used straps and bolted it to the seat pan. I cut my seat in half so not to put the tank on the upholstery. The power is a lighter socket. I have a small shut off valve on the tank also,
It works very well and I can remove the tank and replace the sea.
#327
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