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Correct fitment of site gauges

cgoldy

Registered User
Moogerah Queensland Australia
When installing a fuel sight gauge, should the bottom inlet or the bottom of the glass be level with the tank fitting???

Brief history

I had Back country wings on a Javron Cub. In level flight when the fuel disappeared from sight I still had 5 gallons per side. I replaced the wings with Javron wings. Now the fuel does not disappear from sight. Found that the gauge inlet is 1” lower than the tank outlet which means that effectively there will always be some fuel left in the gauge even though the tank has been drained. Almost caused a world of problems for me and my partner. She will never fly with me again.

My fault for not re measuring unusable fuel.

I have moved the gauge to be level but unsure if is the right thing to do? Maybe I should have left them where they were and just recalibrate the makings.

Colin
 
Good question. No easy answer. Sometimes there are obstructions to getting it all level. (Comp members; electrical wiring etc.. It boils down to ease of install and personal preference. I like to see fuel go out of sight with a couple gallons (usable) left in the tank, but not always possible to do. Most of the bottom fuel gauge fittings are off the bottom of the tank a little so level as you state would work and have a little safety margin? I have often considered trying a bottom outlet to a gauge and them marking the gauge accordingly. Of course empty would really be empty! Most of the gauges have alum housing that prevents you from seeing the last 4 or5 gallons unless you can set the gauge to account for that. Hope I haven't confused you to badly.
 
Colin,
I too could not make the supplied gas sight gauges fit properly. So I replaced them with clear plastic tubing which enables the entire amount to be seen.

SMITHCUBPetes040.jpg The dark background was a poor choice. It should be a lighter color.
 

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I also have clear gauges on my own exp., but the certified owners have fewer choices. The certified ones I have seen have to much alum. near the bottom for accurate reading.
 
I also have clear gauges on my own exp., but the certified owners have fewer choices. The certified ones I have seen have to much alum. near the bottom for accurate reading.
True, but in this case all three of us are experimental. I have a new unused set of the aluminum ones which are available should anyone want some.
 
How do you install a sight gauge 1” below the outlet?

Atlee’s tygon sight tubes are my preference.
 

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See note 2. mine was 1” lower and was showing 5 gallons when tank was empty
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I like them low. And then mark empty by testing. Level flight and 3 point. You can also black out that portion below empty


Sent from my iPhone using SuperCub.Org
 
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