Winshield fuel damage

[Gordon]

Another solution to spilling fuel on the Lexan windscreen.

I bought the "FloFast fuel transfer pump" at Fleet Farm when I was in Oshkosh a couple years ago. This is the real answer for pumping fuel into my Onex. It hand cranks 8 gal per minute. The tank I have is 10.5 gal (there are other sizes) and I have it mounted on a 2 wheel cart to move around in the hangar.

No more lifting heavy 5 gal Jerry cans and pouring into a funnel. The FloFast pump is used in the marine industry and for fueling ATV's and the like. Mine cost $269.00 a couple years ago and is worth the money....it's a quality unit. The other cool feature.....if you crank the handle backwards it will suck at the same rate. So....I go to the gas station and fill my 3 five gal Jerry cans in the back of the pickup....come back to the hangar.....suck it out of there into the FloFast 10.5 gal tank and then pump it into my Onex.

Of course if you fuel up at some distant airport you are committed to using their oversized fuel nozzle......good luck with that.

Google "FloFast fuel transfer pump"........and watch the promotional video.

Note: I tested a strip of the Lexan I cut off of my windscreen during construction. I put held/clamped it into a bend similar to my windshield, dribbled some mogas on it and within a minute it was completely crazed and cracked.

Gordon.........Hummel 2400........Onex C-IODB

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi all,
On the zenith site , john austin, who has a CH750 , overfilled his fuel tanks, and the gas ran down the lexan verticle windows behind the entry doors. The lexan is flat, the fuel caused crazing, no cracks. he covered with dark tint
and zenith logo with names who helped on the build. Not sure if he was using mogas or 100LL or if that even matters.
http://www.zenith.aero
also he mention a company for a shout out
http://www.aircraftstickers.com
take a look.

best,

michael

[gammaxy]

A fueler accidentally splashed a lot of 100LL directly on my Lexan. I wiped it clean and haven't noticed any damage. The edges aren't sealed at all, so I'm sure fuel leaked under it and into the screw holes and I wasn't completely able to clean it. I wonder if 100LL vs MOGAS matters or I just got lucky?

[WesRagle]

Hi Chris,

I wonder if 100LL vs MOGAS matters or I just got lucky?

I did a little experiment a couple of days ago. The stressed Lexan crazed with 100LL and MOGAS. Ref: http://sonexbuilders.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=5813#p43915.

I wonder if significant time in the hot sun anneals the Lexan and makes it less susceptible to cracking.?.?

Wes

[flyingbear]

UGH.....after 50 hours of fueling with 2 gallon gas cans with no issues of spillling gas on the windshield, I tried a 5 gallon can and spilled gas. Of course it ran down the channel between the canopy and the cowl that seems just perfect for channeling the fuel to the max area ......I flushed with water and all seems ok until the next morning. I have cracks about 2 inches long all up and down the front of my canopy now. I cannot believe anyone would design such a system.
I think, since it is not very visible from the cockpit, I may just cover the area with kitchen contact counter top plastic and see how that looks and works.
Glen Bradley
PS- does anyone know the source (not Sonex) of the tailwheels that Sonex uses. Surely they are about half price from the supplier. My rain grooved runway eats them up fast.
850.816.4868
glenbradley@rocketmal.com

[XenosN42]

I've used this pump for about 5 years now to transfer 100LL from 5 gallon cans into my OneX. Have never had a spill or problem.

https://www.amazon.com/TERA-PUMP-Portable-Battery-AutoStop/dp/B00WZX9W86/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=fuel+transfer+pump+battery&qid=1624116943&sr=8-3

[WesRagle]

Hi Glen,

Sorry about your bad luck.

I've found this to be a good solution for the "sub-optimal" Onex fueling situation. At 15 gallons I usually only have to call for fuel every three or four flights.



I also have some https://www.summitracing.com/parts/AAF-ALL40160-5. It fits perfectly over the fuel fill nozzle of the fuel truck.

Look at the bright side. Unlike some other designs, the Onex *will* turn without having to plan ahead :-) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Best of Luck,

Wes

[flyingbear]

I have used only about 10 gallons of 100LL in 45 hours. I use 93 oct no ethanol. I had no problem until I tried to use a 5 gallon can instead of my usual 2 gallon can. I may just invest in one of your devices but it is too late now for this windshield.
glen

[WesRagle]

HI Glen,

Not "my device". It was suggested by Gord and I followed his lead. I've been very happy with it.

Ref. https://sonexbuilders.net/posting.php?mode=reply&f=58&t=5813#pr43917.

It doesn't care what kind of gas you put in it.

Wes