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Thread: gascolator?

  1. #1
    Senior Member ken nougaret's Avatar
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    Default gascolator?

    if the header tank is the low point of fuel on a tail dragger, what is the point of a gascolator, other than it has a filter screen.
    SS/O-200 ken

  2. #2
    wheelerg's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    When in level flight it may now become the lowest point?

    my 2 cents anyways?
    Gary
    Kitfox 4 1200
    Eastern Ontario
    Canada

  3. #3
    Senior Member ken nougaret's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    Aren't we concerned about lowest point at preflight to check for water.
    Is the gascolator necessary for additional fuel hold closer to the engine?

  4. #4
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    I utilize mine as the filtering element in the fuel system.

    I do not believe in filters on gravity flow alone (between the wing and header tanks).
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
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  5. #5
    Senior Member ken nougaret's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    Av8r3400, are you saying you don't want any additional restriction from the tank to the header?

  6. #6
    Senior Member Peteohms's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    Well, I've gotten enough water out of my gascolator to say that it has a necessary function.
    Pete
    Leander, TX
    Model III SN 1000
    912
    Grove

  7. #7
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    Quote Originally Posted by ken nougaret View Post
    Av8r3400, are you saying you don't want any additional restriction from the tank to the header?
    In short, yes.

    The filters most often placed in this position is a paper element disposable automotive unit, which I have seen clog with just a small amount of water contamination. Gravity and pitot pressure is not enough to push through filters, IMO.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
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  8. #8
    Senior Member HighWing's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    My first Model IV had a gascolator - first flight 1998. When this exact question was asked then I was a strong gascolator proponent. The discussion led me to eventually omit the gascolator on my current Model IV. I agree with the paper filter issue, but the solution is simply to select a filter with a different element. I use the clear glass filters mounted between the wing tank and header tank. They are positioned above the quarter window so I can see fuel while in flight. My theory is this. The finger strainers will remove large particles then the glass filters will remove the rest. I will have an essentially "sterile" system from those filters to the carburetors. A whila ago, I did some work on the header tank that broke the "sterile"system chain so I put a filter in the engine compartment for several hours before going back to the designed system.
    Lowell Fitt
    Goodyear, AZ


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  9. #9

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    Default Re: gascolator?

    I think Lowell is right. I have a 'T' that feeds into one glass filter right above and in back of the right seat. Very easy to view. It then flows to the header, to the gascolator low on engine side of the firewall. I did a 25deg. nose up attitude fuel flow test. I got 4 times the minimum required flow to the fuel pump entrance.

  10. #10
    Senior Member ken nougaret's Avatar
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    Default Re: gascolator?

    This is all good information.

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