by lpaaruule » Mon Dec 31, 2018 12:11 pm
Hopefully withing the next month or so I'll be installing wing tanks. This complicates fuel monitoring slightly, and if the fuel transfer doesn't go as planned due to transfer pump failure, etc, I want to be sure about the fuel level in the main tank. My redcube flow sensor is very accurate, but can't account for fuel transfer issues.
I recently bought a "Bingo 3" fuel sensor from Belite, and physically installed it in a brand new hole at the 4 gallon level, but haven't wired it up yet. Unfortunately, when I returned to my hanger a couple days later, I discovered that the silicone washer that is included with the sensor had swelled, and allowed 2+ gallons to leak in inside the Sonex. I tried to tighten the sensor, and the silicone washer just squished all the way out. I had a big mess to clean up.
I bought some viton o-rings from harbor freight, and will probably try to install the sensor again today.
Having said all that, I'm having second thoughts about using the "Bingo 3" sensor. It's made out of plastic, and if it were to crack during flight, I've have could possibly have a 9/16" hole gushing fuel inside the plane.
I'm thinking that the old fashion approach of installing a sight tube with a very small orifice at the bottom of the tank may be much safer. I'm thinking of maybe drilling a 1/64" hole in a solid rivet hammered into a barb fitting.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share. Happy new year.