Low Fuel Sensor

[hansedj]

I would never want to be that low on fuel

[dholly]

Would like to revisit this topic.

I have a 4-1200 w/ center high mount poly header tank, which would seem to preclude using the 'aux tank for sender' style low fuel warning.

Header tank has (3) 'in' ports, (1) ea. for L/R wing supply and the vent line and single lower 'out' port, with no sump quick drain or extra port/fitting for the ACS 6905-400 low fuel sensor.

Best option short of switching to a new aluminum 'behind the seat' header tank?

When using a [new, ethanol resistant] HWllc vent line sensor, is it best to install as low as possible in the vent line to minimize false alerts (resulting in a near horizontal orientation), or does the sensor body need to be in a completely vertical orientation to operate properly?

Thnx.

[Jerrytex]

Dhollly,

I have the same set up as you with the center, higher mount header tank. The Aux tank with the sensor in it, is mount horizontal on top of the poly tank. If I get by the airport, I'll take a pic if that will help.

[jiott]

I agree with you Phil, I have the low fuel sensor and there is only one thing it has ever done that I think was useful: On a flight years ago I was heading into an airport to refuel, so my fuel quantity was quite low but not below the proper safety reserves. I had been flying high so I was in a long protracted descent at a fairly steep nose down attitude to lose altitude quickly. Sine the fuel was low my nose down attitude unported the wing fuel tank outlets and I was only running on fuel in the header tank, which quickly reduced the level and the low fuel warning light came on. I immediately leveled out my flight attitude and the fuel system started working properly again; a few minutes later I resumed my descent and landed with no problems. Without the low fuel sensor I probably would have starved and killed my engine before I realized what was going on and leveled the airplane. Most likely I could have leveled and done a restart with no problems, but who knows if it had happened near the ground. This was the one and only time I did appreciate the low fuel sensor. Just some food for thought from an actual experience.

[Jerrytex]

You definately make good points Phil and I agree.

Sad part is 56 percent of plane crashes are fuel starvation and 35%, fuel mismanagement. (https://flightsafety.org/fuel-management/)

We just had a triple fatality 3 weeks ago at my airport due to what is going to turn out to be fuel mismanagment.

My model 4 had one and I always liked the warm and fuzzies of having one. Probably just a mental thing since I like to think I plan for fuel management, but whatever helps quell the voices is always a good thing. Ha. I figured since I have the sensor, drill bit, and tap already, I might as well put it in. It won't cost any money, weight and not much time.

Thanks.

[henrysamson]

I would never want to be that low on fuel

I had plenty of fuel when my low fuel light came on during a cross country. Got my attention and I was on the ground at the closest airport in about 10 minutes. There are fuel supply issues besides running out of gas. I had a bad seal on a cap and the suction was able to prevent fuel flow once the level in the tanks had dropped to a lower level. Bought new gaskets as suggested on this forum and that fixed the problem.

Henry

[Jerrytex]

If I understand correctly, you can add a low fuel sensor directly to the aluminum header from Kitfox? However, I see on this thread that the low fuel sensor goes in a small cylinder tank above the header tank? The aluminum tank I have from Kitfox, has a 1/4" pipe connection on the side. The low fuel sensor that I have, is 1/2". Did something change on the header tanks? Or is there an adapter to convert to 1/2"?

[JayHenry]

The Low Fuel sensor is a separate tank that installs just over the header tank and sold as a kit form Kitfox.

[Maverick]

In my first Kitfox 5TD, I never recognized the problem of fuel flowing forward in the tanks in a steeper descent. Dumb, I know! It was inadequate testing for sure on my part.

DesertFox4 and I flew to Apple Valley together once when I wish I'd had the low fuel sensor. I calculated that I had enough fuel to make it there from Phoenix and I actually did, although only by a very slight amount. That's when I was entering the traffic pattern having come down to altitude when at midfield the engine died. I looked up and saw fuel but it didn't register with me that it wasn't enough to feed the fuel port at the back of the tank. I declared my situation and did a dead-stick landing. As soon as I stopped, I tried the engine and it fired up and I taxied to the fuel station and filled up. I realize that my lack of diligence in getting to know my plane's quirks and cutting it too close on my reserve are pilot errors (as DesertFox4 doesn't let me forget, bless his heart) but, had I had the fuel sensor tell me I was running on fumes, I likely would have figured out the problem of the nose down attitude letting fuel move forward too much and could have raised the nose, slowed the descent and kept me from needing a clean pair of underwear. Certainly, after having this experience, my fuel management will be more conservative; partly because, like PapuaPilot, my bladder is not as young as it was 16 years ago but, certainly because experience is a good teacher, assuming you survive. . .

[109JB]

All I will say is this. For the past 21 years my job has been to investigate aircraft accidents. My project airplane is getting a new header tank fitted with a low fuel sensor.