---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 09/03/06: 24 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 01:24 AM - Re: Fuel feed problem (John Anderson) 2. 06:36 AM - Re: Fuel feed problem (neflyer48) 3. 02:22 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (Randy Daughenbaugh) 4. 02:25 PM - Re: floats (John) 5. 02:54 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem, a follow up (Roger McConnell) 6. 03:21 PM - Re: Re: Insurance (Lowell Fitt) 7. 04:09 PM - Re: kitfox makes landing on hiway (Lowell Fitt) 8. 04:59 PM - Re: model 3 tires (Lowell Fitt) 9. 05:42 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem, a follow up (Don Smythe) 10. 05:43 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (Noel Loveys) 11. 05:46 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (Noel Loveys) 12. 05:55 PM - Re: floats (Noel Loveys) 13. 06:10 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (Noel Loveys) 14. 06:13 PM - Re: 912 ul compression? (Lowell Fitt) 15. 06:18 PM - Re: tires (Dee Young) 16. 06:48 PM - Re: Re: tires (Ben Baltrusaitis) 17. 07:01 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (Noel Loveys) 18. 07:38 PM - Re: Re: Insurance (kirkhull) 19. 07:41 PM - Re: Fuel feed problem (kirkhull) 20. 07:54 PM - Re: 912 ul compression? (Noel Loveys) 21. 08:00 PM - Re: 912 ul compression? (Jay Fabian) 22. 08:22 PM - Re: GRASS STRIPPER (ROBERT E SIMON) 23. 09:05 PM - Re: Re: tires (John Anderson) 24. 10:48 PM - Re: model 3 tires (Guy Buchanan) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 01:24:43 AM PST US From: "John Anderson" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "John Anderson" Roger, you can do all the steep turns you wish so long as they are ballanced and no fuel will transfer, only slipping wil have the effect From: "Roger McConnell" Subject: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem Im trying to understand if I have a problem or not. The fuel from the left wing tank is being emptied before the fuel in the right tank even starts to go down in my Model 7. Last week end after putting 5 gallons in each tank; I notice that almost all the fuel had some how migrated over to the right tank and only about two gallon was showing in the left. I made a couple of steep turns to the left to try to get the fuel to run back over to the left wing but nothing seems to happen. Im really not too concerned about it I just cant figure out why the fuel seem to migrate over to the right wing. Even after the plane sits on level ground for several days the fuel still will not equalize in each tank. Is it possible that the vent line from the header tank to the right wing tank is pinched and only allowing fuel flow from the left tank first? Will the fuel begin to flow from the right tank after the left tank is completely empty? Opinions please. Roger Mac _________________________________________________________________ Become a fitness fanatic @ http://xtramsn.co.nz/health ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:36:58 AM PST US From: "neflyer48" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem I believe the only purpose of the fuel vent line is to insure that the header tank stays full. If the fuel is being used only from your left tank, then the right tank doesn't have equal pressure. Check your fuel cap vent on the right tank. Jerry Kohles M3-912 ----- Original Message ----- From: Barry West To: kitfox-list@matronics.com Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 7:57 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel from the other side. Barry ----- Original Message ----- From: Roger McConnell To: kitfox-list@matronics.com Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 5:09 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem I'm trying to understand if I have a problem or not. The fuel from the left wing tank is being emptied before the fuel in the right tank even starts to go down in my Model 7. Last week end after putting 5 gallons in each tank; I notice that almost all the fuel had some how migrated over to the right tank and only about two gallon was showing in the left. I made a couple of steep turns to the left to try to get the fuel to run back over to the left wing but nothing seems to happen. I'm really not too concerned about it I just can't figure out why the fuel seem to migrate over to the right wing. Even after the plane sits on level ground for several days the fuel still will not equalize in each tank. Is it possible that the vent line from the header tank to the right wing tank is pinched and only allowing fuel flow from the left tank first? Will the fuel begin to flow from the right tank after the left tank is completely empty? Opinions please. Roger Mac ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 09/01/2006 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 02:22:29 PM PST US From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" This comes up often. I believe that fuel levels in the two tanks are simply the BEST indicator that we have of whether or not we are flying in a coordinated manner. As John pointed out steep banked turns should have NO effect if we are coordinated. But uncoordinated flight does. Try it an see. If Guy's calculations are right (and I suspect that they are - Thanks for the analysis Guy!) It just points out how sensitive the fuel levels are to flying with one wing low. Are there really Fox drivers out there that are so good that they can tell if one wing tip is 7" higher than the other? With the plane on a level surface (hangar floor?) this is easy too determine, but try it out on a sorta level field. You need a good level to tell. When I fly, I just use the ball for an immediate indication of how level I have the wings. I use the fuel levels in the tanks to tell me if I am favoring one side or the other. It is fairly easy over a time period of 15 to 30 mins to move fuel from one tank to the other while flying. I very seldom fly with full tanks, but when I do, I close a valve so that I am drawing from only one tank, so I don't lose fuel out one vent or the other. I am not saying that there can't be other explanations, only that a majority of the time we are simply flying uncoordinated to a small degree. Put a 3/4" piece of wood under one main wheel and check the levels again in the morning. Randy - straighten up and fly right! . -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Guy Buchanan Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 7:49 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan At 05:16 PM 9/1/2006, you wrote: >Realizing this, it's easy to see that fuel might be >transported from "high" pressure side to "lo" pressure side. I.E. the >differential pressure will transferee fuel (via the header tank) to the >other tank. I ran some numbers. If there's a 4 inch difference in surface height between the two tanks, that corresponds to about 0.1 psi pressure head. That pressure head corresponds to about 75 mph differential velocity between the two pitot vents. In my case that would mean one pitot was blocked completely! (Which we know would be a problem.) I'd guess you'd never get more than 10% velocity variation between the two pitot. (Remember, any variation would have to be extremely local, else you'd get a lift variation between the two wings and subsequent roll.) Since the tanks are about 60" apart, center to center, it takes about 1 degree of roll to generate 1" of pressure head. (That's about 7" difference in wing-tip height.) You'd therefore have to fly around with 4 degrees of roll, (28" at the tip,) to empty one tank. That's pretty extreme. What does it all mean? I HAVE NO IDEA! (My tanks don't equalize either so I'm trying to figure it out - for purely academic purposes, you understand.) Guy Buchanan K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar. ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 02:25:59 PM PST US From: "John" Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: floats George, I have a Model III, 582, and Full Lotus 1220 amphib floats. I have not been able to develop enough thrust to get on step at gross weight (1050 lbs). Have tried three different props; GSC three blade, IVO three blade, both ground adjustable, and a wood two blade (borrowed from a friend's Avid). On the positive side the floats are great at absorbing rough water and with their broad bows they are very resistant to diving. (Don't ask me how I know but I had to re-tighten the sagging rigging wires afterward.) As for the amphib gear it is outboard of the floats when down and puts so much stress on the front spreader bar that it bows downward about 1 1/2 inches. The float rigging is SkyStar from about 1995. The amphib gear would (IMHO) PROBABLY survive perfect greased on landings, beyond my skill so far. I use the amphib gear for ground handling and take them off when I get to water. If you decide to go with Full Lotus I would try the 1260's instead of the 1220's. Regards, John Stoner KF III, 582 Alaska ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 02:54:22 PM PST US From: "Roger McConnell" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem, a follow up --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" Well I unfolded the right wing today and sure enough, the vent tube was pinched. So I went to the local hardware store and found an ELL fitting that would work so I'm hopeful the problem is solved. As far as the type of lines I'm using the vent tube is the yellow tygon tubing and the fuel lines running down to the header tank do not say Mil 6000 on them although I'm still not sure what they are. I did see the letters SAE on them. I'd like to thank all those who responded to my question. It's really great to have such a wealth of knowledge just a few mouse clicks away. Now if I could just learn to type. Thanks god for spell check!! Roger Mac -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:40 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem Yes the vent is at the top of the tank under the flange. One can use a swivel 90 deg fitting. Some have female threads so one has to use a close union In any event they are available .Check hydraulic supply houses. Check the car nut places like Earls. Attached is a couple of pics foe an even easier way using AN fittings & a straight swivel from the hydraulics house + soft Al tubing. Paul ============ At 03:04 PM 9/2/2006, you wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson > >Paul- >In my IV tanks, made in 1994, the vent opening >is so close to the top flange of the tank that >it would be impossible to use a 90 fitting, >because you would not be able to rotate it. >Where did you hear about "the preferred 90 >degree fitting"?...and what makes it preferable? > >Lynn >On Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 09:22 AM, PWilson wrote: > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson >> >>Good point. It sounds like he used a straight >>fitting instead of the preferred 90 degree >>fitting at the vent to tank connection. >> Paul >>================= >>At 06:57 AM 9/2/2006, you wrote: >>>Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel >>>vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so >>>retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does >>>flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel from the other side. >>> >>>Barry >> >> >> >> >> > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 03:21:00 PM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: Insurance --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" The way I understand this is that a broker for a company - falcon, for example - will not quote as long as you are currently with another Falcon broker. It is a professional courtesy thing. I found this with Falcon when I was unhappy with my current broker - he kept forgetting to send me the renewal package and I went without insurance for three months once and I discovered it by accident - not the real kind, thankfully. During the search, I also found that, at least for me, EAA insurance was significantly higher than straight Falcon, as it was explained, some EAAers have airplanes that are difficult to insure and the rest of us are "taxed" to help level the field. Not necessary to mention, I didn't go through EAA for the insurance. I don't feel compelled to help insure the winged doghouse powered by the B$S. Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Gibbs" Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 12:16 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Insurance > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs > > Lynn sez: > >>The way I've heard it is that once you are quoted a price for insurance, >>that quote is fed out to all the insurance companies, and they all will >>then "honor" that quote. > > Sounds like price-fixing, which sounds illegal. > > Many insurance brokers will shop around for quotes each year for you. If > the various underwriters shared pricing there would be no point in such an > activity, right? > > Then again, the insurance world is heavily regulated (in the U.S. anyway) > and the rules may be different. I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on > T.V. > > Mike G. > N728KF > > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 04:09:12 PM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: kitfox makes landing on hiway --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" Great Post John LOLs for sure. Lowell Taildragger always and forever!! do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "john perry" Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 5:51 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: kitfox makes landing on hiway > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" > > http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/aviation/story/8131816p-8024248c.html > > just read this kitfox makes safe landing with mother aboard when engine > sputters due to water in fuel pilot says . > HMMMMM a taildragger landing safe again lol. > > John Perry > Kitfox 2 N718PD > taildragger forever > > > > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 04:59:23 PM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" A thought or two on tires. A friend had the flatter tread golf cart type tires and will tell you that the flat tread caused a significant cruise speed reduction. I understand the rap on the knobby tires is that they can catch and throw rocks - not good for fabric wings, though another guy in our group has worn his knobbys nearly flat and has no wing holes. I have the big two ply puppies and have three years and about three hundred hours on them and my log book says just about one landing on average per hour, mostly on pavement. I don't see any cord yet. There is a guy in the neighborhood - a CFI - that used to give me my bi-annual flight review and he loved low level stuff - you know, the down the runway dance with first right tire then left and so on. The only problem was I couldn't convince him that the visual track in a Kitfox was not like a Cessna. I changed tires out after every review and once after he took a guy up - or I guess more accurately down and sideways for the hour his insurance needed. I've got a new guy now. The point is; if your tires are wearing quickly, check your alignment with the runway on landing. An easy way to do it is to align your airplane on the ground with a distant object - a tree is great. Then climb in and check where the tree appears in your windshield. That is straight ahead. Then take a grease pencil or a thin strip of tape and mark the tree. Now you have straight ahead on the windsheild. Land with that on the far end of the runway, saves tires and lowers the tendency to do what tailwheel airplanes try to do all the time. One further note. When returning from Idaho several years ago six of us were fleeing some nasty looking weather and decided to land at Jackpot, Nevada to overnight and hope. The runway ran west to east and we were in strong tailwinds from the north. The first guy in was our most experienced pilot - my new bi-annual guy, in a nose dragging Rans by the way - and he announced an estimate of "8 at 90 degrees". After we were all on the ground, I was glad he was dead wrong because if he had announced 28 at 90 degrees, I would have started thinking - thinking left wing down opposite rudder etc., flying way behind the airplane. As it worked out I kept the airplane aligned with the runway with the windshield tape over the opposite end of the runway and did what I had to do to keep it there, resulting in a perfect side slip to landing. Not pretty, mind you, but got it down. My most vivid memory was not being able to tell when I was on the ground as there was just too much motion - mostly pitching - even there. Just some thoughts, Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 6:30 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" > > John , Very good point there on the 2 ply tires. > If you are flying off paved mostly perhpas a golf cart style tire would > fare better plus they are still fairly tall and wide to give good > flotation on soft ground. > > No cactus up here in Canada ;-0 > > Dave > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "john perry" > To: > Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:21 PM > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires > > >> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" >> >> all these tires are only 2 ply , which is why i like the kenda tire with >> the straight lug they deflect the stickers and catus and goat heads and >> such . I no longer have flats to deal with lol . also the 2 ply tires >> quickly wear out on pavement if doing alot of flying and your gear is not >> tracked right . >> >> Just my humble opinion and noone made me say these things . >> John Perry >> Kitfox 2 N718PDF >> fly safe fly low fly slow and have FUN >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Dave" >> To: >> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >> >> >>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" >>> >>> http://www.mipowerparachute.com/Tires.html >>> >>> read that 40$ each >>> >>> no idea why you would mess around removing lugs. >>> >>> Also --seach out gold cart wheels 16.5 or 18.5 should work fine on 8 >>> " rim . >>> >>> >>> >>> Dave >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "john perry" >>> To: >>> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >>> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>> >>> >>>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" >>>> >>>> look at the Kenda tire 20x7x8 they are only 20. for each . I buy mine >>>> from rocky mountain atv >>>> www.rockymountainatvmc.com >>>> 1-800-336-5437 >>>> they are great and with the lugs work wonderful they are not like the >>>> cheng shin original tires that are stripped of the lugs , by the way >>>> the cheng shin tires only cost 20. each and resell for 115. each when >>>> trimmed of the lugs . >>>> >>>> John Perry >>>> kitfox 2 N718PD >>>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>> From: "joe" >>>> To: >>>> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:19 AM >>>> Subject: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>>> >>>> >>>>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "joe" >>>>> >>>>> Tractor supply has 20.00 x7.00 x8 tires for about $55.00 with knobs in >>>>> 6 >>>>> rows around the tire. about 150 / 200 total. is there an easy way to >>>>> remove them? >>>>> >>>>> regards, >>>>> >>>>> Joe >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 05:42:10 PM PST US From: "Don Smythe" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem, a follow up --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Smythe" Roger, In my opinion, it's better to see SAE than MIL on those lines. MIL is ugly. I haven't followed your problem as close as I should have but I would be willing to bet that a pinched vent line would have nothing to do with one wing tanks feeding faster than the other. That is if we are talking about the vent line that runs from the header up to the right tank. You can take that line and tie a knot in it and it should not affect the fuel flow from the wing tanks. Let us know how things turn out. Fuel flow has be a difficult question since the beginning. However, there is an old saying that works very well in this situation, "Water seeks it's own level", and that works for gas too. Good luck, Don Smythe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roger McConnell" Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 5:53 PM Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem, a follow up --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" Well I unfolded the right wing today and sure enough, the vent tube was pinched. So I went to the local hardware store and found an ELL fitting that would work so I'm hopeful the problem is solved. As far as the type of lines I'm using the vent tube is the yellow tygon tubing and the fuel lines running down to the header tank do not say Mil 6000 on them although I'm still not sure what they are. I did see the letters SAE on them. I'd like to thank all those who responded to my question. It's really great to have such a wealth of knowledge just a few mouse clicks away. Now if I could just learn to type. Thanks god for spell check!! Roger Mac -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:40 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem Yes the vent is at the top of the tank under the flange. One can use a swivel 90 deg fitting. Some have female threads so one has to use a close union In any event they are available .Check hydraulic supply houses. Check the car nut places like Earls. Attached is a couple of pics foe an even easier way using AN fittings & a straight swivel from the hydraulics house + soft Al tubing. Paul ============ At 03:04 PM 9/2/2006, you wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson > >Paul- >In my IV tanks, made in 1994, the vent opening >is so close to the top flange of the tank that >it would be impossible to use a 90 fitting, >because you would not be able to rotate it. >Where did you hear about "the preferred 90 >degree fitting"?...and what makes it preferable? > >Lynn >On Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 09:22 AM, PWilson wrote: > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson >> >>Good point. It sounds like he used a straight >>fitting instead of the preferred 90 degree >>fitting at the vent to tank connection. >> Paul >>================= >>At 06:57 AM 9/2/2006, you wrote: >>>Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel >>>vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so >>>retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does >>>flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel from the other side. >>> >>>Barry >> >> >> >> >> > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 05:43:09 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" Last summer I lost one of the vented gas caps. (Don't ask) I decided for the last flight of the summer I would swipe the gas cap off my Bombardier J5 track machine. This cap will fit but is not vented. The first thing to happen was pressure built up in the un-vented tank and caused the vented tank to over flow. Then the vented tank emptied before any fuel came out of the tank with the un-vented cap. I went to Canada's what not, come hardware, come tire shop, Canadian Tire, A.K.A. "Crappy Tire" for another cap. The only one I could find had one of those one way vent valves in it. No improvement from last summer! I then drilled out the one way valve ( plastic) and drilled a 1/4"+ hole in the gas cap I then soldered about 5" of steel brake line (1/4") into the hole and bent the line forward into the slip stream. It is cheap, with a capitol "C". And works like the original. Remember when soldering, heat the work not the joint. I also took the rubber sealing gasket out before applying the heat for the soldering. Now if they would only make chrome plated brake line it would match the chrome caps.... Maybe later the fall I may paint both gas caps. BTW the home brew vented cap works great! Noel Mod III-A R582 Grey Hd., "B" box, Ivo In flight adj three blade UL. > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of > Don Smythe > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 1:15 PM > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Smythe" > > Roger, > Don't know what Skystar provided in 02 but would suspect > MIL-6000 black. > The MIL-6000 will be marked as such on the line. If so, get > rid of that > stuff anywhere it's used in the plane. I would recommend > either clear > Polyurethane (from Spruce) or SAE-R7 (automotive line) or > SAE-R9 (fuel > injection automotive line). The R9 injection line is more > expensive but is > better with ethanol. I have used the clear Polyurethane line > from Spruce > for several years. It works great but will discolor over > time. I have read > a bunch of stuff on fuel lines and came to the conclusion > that "clear Tygon" > is not fuel rated. Only the yellow Tygon is???? > In my opinion, a blocked vent tube would not cause > unequal tank drains > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Roger McConnell" > To: > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 10:56 AM > Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" > > > > > Paul, > > The lines are what was supplied from Skystar back in '02, automotive > > grade is my guess. The vent tube is clear tygon, either 1/4 > or 3/8. I'm > > thinking that I do have a blocked vent tube. I'll try to > check that in the > > next day or two. I probable need to go with a 90 degree > fitting at the > > tank. > > Thanks for your help. > > Roger > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson > > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:14 AM > > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > > Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson > > > > Roger, > > Maybe I missed it but did you tell us what kind of fuel > lines you are > > using. (Vent and fuel feeds). I think If it was my plane > here is what > > I would do: > > Replace all the lines, the cap gasket as well as confirm > that the cap > > vent is truly open & the same on both caps. Examine the fittings at > > the tank for obstructions when replacing the lines. Clean the finger > > strainer and examine them both for similarity. > > I would also look inside the tank for bad stuff. The fittings are > > visible from the fuel filler opening. Use a mirror for close exam. > > Regards, Paul > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 05:46:16 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" I doubt there is actually a workable definition of exactly what "gas" or "gasoline" is ... Emptor cravat! Noel > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 1:06 PM > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson > > If you have trouble finding a swivel fitting try the local farm store > that sells hydraulic fittings. The hose supplied by Skystar in that > time frame was Mil 6000 hose - bad stuff for most locals when using > auto gas. The hose will be properly labeled whether auto hose or Mil > hose. My recommendation - Replace all hose with SAE R-7 or R-9, > including the vent. Some R-9 is much stiffer than others. Check > several auto supply places. > > The thing to remember if one is using auto gas is that some places > have very chemically bad stuff. I just read that there are now 50 > formulations of gas used in the US. This may explain why some guys > get away with using the Mil hose. > Good luck, Paul > ================== > At 08:56 AM 9/2/2006, you wrote: > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" > > > > >Paul, > > The lines are what was supplied from Skystar back > in '02, automotive > >grade is my guess. The vent tube is clear tygon, either 1/4 > or 3/8. I'm > >thinking that I do have a blocked vent tube. I'll try to > check that in the > >next day or two. I probable need to go with a 90 degree > fitting at the tank. > > Thanks for your help. > >Roger > >-----Original Message----- > >From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > >[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson > >Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:14 AM > >To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > >Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson > > > >Roger, > >Maybe I missed it but did you tell us what kind of fuel lines you are > >using. (Vent and fuel feeds). I think If it was my plane here is what > >I would do: > >Replace all the lines, the cap gasket as well as confirm that the cap > >vent is truly open & the same on both caps. Examine the fittings at > >the tank for obstructions when replacing the lines. Clean the finger > >strainer and examine them both for similarity. > >I would also look inside the tank for bad stuff. The fittings are > >visible from the fuel filler opening. Use a mirror for close exam. > >Regards, Paul > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 05:55:39 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: floats Shane don't take this as a vote against the Full Lotus.... There are tow things I've been told about Full Lotus floats. !. In rough water they can transfer a lot of shock vibration to the frame of the plane. The other thing I've been told, by every one, is they are draggy with the capitol "D"! I don't know what draggy is for a 75+ Mph. plane or how you'd find it. The same people who tell me they are draggy also tell me how good they are on shallow ponds and in the snow. They won't swap for anything! Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Shane Sather Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 1:24 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: floats I have full lotus floats and I like them. They may not cut the water as clean as an expensive set of metal floats but they will be more durable. And they are more forgiving if you have a few rough landings. You do not have to worry about sandy/rocky shore lines making holes in your floats either. I don't know how long they will last, over time the plastic will likely weak to the sun. I have had mine for 4 years now and no problems. Shane ----- Original Message ----- From: George Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 6:06 AM Subject: Kitfox-List: floats I am new to the list but no doubt this is an old subject. I own a 2001 IV classic with a 582 and want to buy floats. I hear Full Lotus are the toughest but not as efficient as the others. Is the engine powerful enough to efficiently handle floats, incl. amphibs, at gross. Thanks for your comments. George =C2=C2=B7=BA~=B0=C3=AD=C2=B2,=C3=9E=03g(=93=C5-=C3 =93M=C3=93Gq=C2=A2z=C3=81=C2=AE ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 06:10:50 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" Mod III-A has a site tube for the gauge..... I like your gauges...much easier to read. Noel > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 11:10 PM > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > Yes the vent is at the top of the tank under the > flange. One can use a swivel 90 deg fitting. Some > have female threads so one has to use a close > union In any event they are available .Check > hydraulic supply houses. Check the car nut places > like Earls. Attached is a couple of pics foe an > even easier way using AN fittings & a straight > swivel from the hydraulics house + soft Al tubing. > Paul > ============ > > At 03:04 PM 9/2/2006, you wrote: > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson > > > >Paul- > >In my IV tanks, made in 1994, the vent opening > >is so close to the top flange of the tank that > >it would be impossible to use a 90 fitting, > >because you would not be able to rotate it. > >Where did you hear about "the preferred 90 > >degree fitting"?...and what makes it preferable? > > > >Lynn > >On Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 09:22 AM, PWilson wrote: > > > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson > >> > >>Good point. It sounds like he used a straight > >>fitting instead of the preferred 90 degree > >>fitting at the vent to tank connection. > >> Paul > >>================= > >>At 06:57 AM 9/2/2006, you wrote: > >>>Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel > >>>vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so > >>>retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does > >>>flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel > from the other side. > >>> > >>>Barry > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 06:13:40 PM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" Jay, I had the problem once on at Afton, Wyoming on the way to Osh. Though for me it was after fueling and the prop turned like a turbine - no compression at all. The mechanical guru in the group suggested soem Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel to clean the velves. We located some ATF - no Marvel in Aften, I guess and put a quart on each tank. It took some serious cranking for the valves to loosen up and we spent an hour flying over Afton and one of the guys retirement property and that was that. No problem since and the Marvel Mystery Oil is part of the junk I always carry with me now. My compression on the differential tester is just shade under 79 psi at the annuals since. Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jay Fabian" Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:03 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? Question? I was at the airport today to go over my Kitfox, and I rotated the prop in the proper direction to pump up the oil. It has been a week so I like to keep it up top. The problem is, I noticed that the prop spun VERY easy, with not much compression. It was 70 deg outside, and I get some sort of compresion stroke probably on one or two clynders, other than that it used to be hard to prop by hand all the way around. 140 hours TT. It starts and runs fine and within temps, mags ok too. I wanted to know off hand the compression Numbers to go and check them out. Thanks, 'Let me know Jay Fabian ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 06:18:29 PM PST US From: "Dee Young" Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: tires I installed a bank indicator right in front of me on the panel. It has made it very easy to keep the plane straight on final. This may work for some you. Dee Young KF II N345DY Do Not Archive From: Lowell Fitt To: kitfox-list@matronics.com Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 5:59 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" > A thought or two on tires. A friend had the flatter tread golf cart type tires and will tell you that the flat tread caused a significant cruise speed reduction. I understand the rap on the knobby tires is that they can catch and throw rocks - not good for fabric wings, though another guy in our group has worn his knobbys nearly flat and has no wing holes. I have the big two ply puppies and have three years and about three hundred hours on them and my log book says just about one landing on average per hour, mostly on pavement. I don't see any cord yet. There is a guy in the neighborhood - a CFI - that used to give me my bi-annual flight review and he loved low level stuff - you know, the down the runway dance with first right tire then left and so on. The only problem was I couldn't convince him that the visual track in a Kitfox was not like a Cessna. I changed tires out after every review and once after he took a guy up - or I guess more accurately down and sideways for the hour his insurance needed. I've got a new guy now. The point is; if your tires are wearing quickly, check your alignment with the runway on landing. An easy way to do it is to align your airplane on the ground with a distant object - a tree is great. Then climb in and check where the tree appears in your windshield. That is straight ahead. Then take a grease pencil or a thin strip of tape and mark the tree. Now you have straight ahead on the windsheild. Land with that on the far end of the runway, saves tires and lowers the tendency to do what tailwheel airplanes try to do all the time. One further note. When returning from Idaho several years ago six of us were fleeing some nasty looking weather and decided to land at Jackpot, Nevada to overnight and hope. The runway ran west to east and we were in strong tailwinds from the north. The first guy in was our most experienced pilot - my new bi-annual guy, in a nose dragging Rans by the way - and he announced an estimate of "8 at 90 degrees". After we were all on the ground, I was glad he was dead wrong because if he had announced 28 at 90 degrees, I would have started thinking - thinking left wing down opposite rudder etc., flying way behind the airplane. As it worked out I kept the airplane aligned with the runway with the windshield tape over the opposite end of the runway and did what I had to do to keep it there, resulting in a perfect side slip to landing. Not pretty, mind you, but got it down. My most vivid memory was not being able to tell when I was on the ground as there was just too much motion - mostly pitching - even there. Just some thoughts, Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 6:30 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" > > > John , Very good point there on the 2 ply tires. > If you are flying off paved mostly perhpas a golf cart style tire would > fare better plus they are still fairly tall and wide to give good > flotation on soft ground. > > No cactus up here in Canada ;-0 > > Dave > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "john perry" > > To: > > Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:21 PM > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires > > >> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" > >> >> all these tires are only 2 ply , which is why i like the kenda tire with >> the straight lug they deflect the stickers and catus and goat heads and >> such . I no longer have flats to deal with lol . also the 2 ply tires >> quickly wear out on pavement if doing alot of flying and your gear is not >> tracked right . >> >> Just my humble opinion and noone made me say these things . >> John Perry >> Kitfox 2 N718PDF >> fly safe fly low fly slow and have FUN >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Dave" > >> To: > >> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >> >> >>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" > >>> >>> http://www.mipowerparachute.com/Tires.html >>> >>> read that 40$ each >>> >>> no idea why you would mess around removing lugs. >>> >>> Also --seach out gold cart wheels 16.5 or 18.5 should work fine on 8 >>> " rim . >>> >>> >>> >>> Dave >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "john perry" > >>> To: > >>> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >>> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>> >>> >>>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" > >>>> >>>> look at the Kenda tire 20x7x8 they are only 20. for each . I buy mine >>>> from rocky mountain atv >>>> www.rockymountainatvmc.com >>>> 1-800-336-5437 >>>> they are great and with the lugs work wonderful they are not like the >>>> cheng shin original tires that are stripped of the lugs , by the way >>>> the cheng shin tires only cost 20. each and resell for 115. each when >>>> trimmed of the lugs . >>>> >>>> John Perry >>>> kitfox 2 N718PD >>>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>> From: "joe" > >>>> To: > >>>> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:19 AM >>>> Subject: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>>> >>>> >>>>> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "joe" > >>>>> >>>>> Tractor supply has 20.00 x7.00 x8 tires for about $55.00 with knobs in >>>>> 6 >>>>> rows around the tire. about 150 / 200 total. is there an easy way to >>>>> remove them? >>>>> >>>>> regards, >>>>> >>>>> Joe >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List http://www.matronics.com/contribution ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 06:48:08 PM PST US From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: tires ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 07:01:02 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem You might be right there.... but.... MOGAS is almost famous for not being altitude friendly. The darn stuff will evaporate like smoke in a hurricane if you have enough altitude. The forward facing vents will help apply a bit of ambient pressure on the MOGAS and help prevent it from evaporating. Note venerable aircraft like the DHC Beaver and the Cessna C180 don't have these vented caps because they use AVGAS which is not nearly as volatile Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of neflyer48 Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 11:03 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem I believe the only purpose of the fuel vent line is to insure that the header tank stays full. If the fuel is being used only from your left tank, then the right tank doesn't have equal pressure. Check your fuel cap vent on the right tank. Jerry Kohles M3-912 ----- Original Message ----- From: Barry West Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 7:57 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel from the other side. Barry ----- Original Message ----- From: Roger McConnell Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 5:09 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem I'm trying to understand if I have a problem or not. The fuel from the left wing tank is being emptied before the fuel in the right tank even starts to go down in my Model 7. Last week end after putting 5 gallons in each tank; I notice that almost all the fuel had some how migrated over to the right tank and only about two gallon was showing in the left. I made a couple of steep turns to the left to try to get the fuel to run back over to the left wing but nothing seems to happen. I'm really not too concerned about it I just can't figure out why the fuel seem to migrate over to the right wing. Even after the plane sits on level ground for several days the fuel still will not equalize in each tank. Is it possible that the vent line from the header tank to the right wing tank is pinched and only allowing fuel flow from the left tank first? Will the fuel begin to flow from the right tank after the left tank is completely empty? Opinions please. Roger Mac _____ ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 07:38:23 PM PST US From: "kirkhull" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Re: Insurance --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "kirkhull" AN insurance broker will shop the underwriters for the best price for a given risk ( pilot/ aircraft). Sence there are very few aircraft insurers/ underwriters most brokers check all of them. If you get a quote from one broker they should give you the price from the underwriter with the best price. Then if you check with another broker and he shops the same underwriters and quotes you the best price it would be the same as the first quote. Most underwriters will save your info for sometime so if you ask for another quote they will spit out the same one so they do not have to run the #'s again. -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Lowell Fitt Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 5:21 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: Insurance --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" The way I understand this is that a broker for a company - falcon, for example - will not quote as long as you are currently with another Falcon broker. It is a professional courtesy thing. I found this with Falcon when I was unhappy with my current broker - he kept forgetting to send me the renewal package and I went without insurance for three months once and I discovered it by accident - not the real kind, thankfully. During the search, I also found that, at least for me, EAA insurance was significantly higher than straight Falcon, as it was explained, some EAAers have airplanes that are difficult to insure and the rest of us are "taxed" to help level the field. Not necessary to mention, I didn't go through EAA for the insurance. I don't feel compelled to help insure the winged doghouse powered by the B$S. Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Gibbs" Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 12:16 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Insurance > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs > > Lynn sez: > >>The way I've heard it is that once you are quoted a price for insurance, >>that quote is fed out to all the insurance companies, and they all will >>then "honor" that quote. > > Sounds like price-fixing, which sounds illegal. > > Many insurance brokers will shop around for quotes each year for you. If > the various underwriters shared pricing there would be no point in such an > activity, right? > > Then again, the insurance world is heavily regulated (in the U.S. anyway) > and the rules may be different. I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on > T.V. > > Mike G. > N728KF > > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 07:41:49 PM PST US From: "kirkhull" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "kirkhull" Could you resend the pics I did not see them on the first run. I am having trouble with the sight tubes on my VI turning yellow and not being able to see through them. -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Noel Loveys Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 8:09 PM Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" Mod III-A has a site tube for the gauge..... I like your gauges...much easier to read. Noel > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of PWilson > Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 11:10 PM > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Fuel feed problem > > > Yes the vent is at the top of the tank under the > flange. One can use a swivel 90 deg fitting. Some > have female threads so one has to use a close > union In any event they are available .Check > hydraulic supply houses. Check the car nut places > like Earls. Attached is a couple of pics foe an > even easier way using AN fittings & a straight > swivel from the hydraulics house + soft Al tubing. > Paul > ============ > > At 03:04 PM 9/2/2006, you wrote: > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson > > > >Paul- > >In my IV tanks, made in 1994, the vent opening > >is so close to the top flange of the tank that > >it would be impossible to use a 90 fitting, > >because you would not be able to rotate it. > >Where did you hear about "the preferred 90 > >degree fitting"?...and what makes it preferable? > > > >Lynn > >On Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 09:22 AM, PWilson wrote: > > > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: PWilson > >> > >>Good point. It sounds like he used a straight > >>fitting instead of the preferred 90 degree > >>fitting at the vent to tank connection. > >> Paul > >>================= > >>At 06:57 AM 9/2/2006, you wrote: > >>>Roger, it sounds like your right side fuel > >>>vent is blocked. It prevents air entry and so > >>>retards fuel flow but at some point fuel does > >>>flow some and this creates a vacuum that sucks the fuel > from the other side. > >>> > >>>Barry > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 07:54:50 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" Local mechanics will add a drop of trans fluid to the crank case to clean old lifters.... Seems to work. Putting a quart in each fuel tank is a bit heavy for my liking. My Grandfather used to swear by a product called "Top Lube" that was added to the car's gas tank at every fill up. (Roughly 1/4 cup for around 15 Imp. Gal. ) I'm assuming it was just a light mineral oil. I don't know for sure whether it worked or not but the old car never blew any smoke. Of course there were thousands of cars on the roads at that time that didn't blow smoke or use "Top Lube". No one in this neck of the woods has ever sold MMO. I've been told it's mostly Stoddard solvent ( Varisol) with a bit of animal fat thrown in for good measure. Noel > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of > Lowell Fitt > Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 10:44 PM > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" > > > Jay, > > I had the problem once on at Afton, Wyoming on the way to > Osh. Though for > me it was after fueling and the prop turned like a turbine - > no compression > at all. The mechanical guru in the group suggested soem > Marvel Mystery Oil > in the fuel to clean the velves. We located some ATF - no > Marvel in Aften, > I guess and put a quart on each tank. It took some serious > cranking for the > valves to loosen up and we spent an hour flying over Afton > and one of the > guys retirement property and that was that. No problem since > and the Marvel > Mystery Oil is part of the junk I always carry with me now. > > My compression on the differential tester is just shade under > 79 psi at the > annuals since. > > Lowell > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jay Fabian" > To: "kitfox list" > Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:03 PM > Subject: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? > > > Question? > I was at the airport today to go over my Kitfox, and I > rotated the prop in > the proper direction to pump up the oil. It has been a week > so I like to > keep it up top. > The problem is, I noticed that the prop spun VERY easy, with > not much > compression. It was 70 deg outside, and I get some sort of > compresion > stroke probably on one or two clynders, other than that it > used to be hard > to prop by hand all the way around. 140 hours TT. It starts > and runs fine > and within temps, mags ok too. > > I wanted to know off hand the compression Numbers to go and > check them out. > > Thanks, > 'Let me know > Jay Fabian > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 08:00:10 PM PST US From: "Jay Fabian" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jay Fabian" Thanks for all the help everyone. So far I have not checked my compression, but it seems to be the concences to try some Marvel oil. I do use it in my gas already though, but probably not enough. I will try more and report back on the results soon. Thanks again All, Jay Fabian ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lowell Fitt" Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 9:13 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" > > Jay, > > I had the problem once on at Afton, Wyoming on the way to Osh. Though for > me it was after fueling and the prop turned like a turbine - no > compression at all. The mechanical guru in the group suggested soem > Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel to clean the velves. We located some ATF - > no Marvel in Aften, I guess and put a quart on each tank. It took some > serious cranking for the valves to loosen up and we spent an hour flying > over Afton and one of the guys retirement property and that was that. No > problem since and the Marvel Mystery Oil is part of the junk I always > carry with me now. > > My compression on the differential tester is just shade under 79 psi at > the annuals since. > > Lowell > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jay Fabian" > To: "kitfox list" > Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:03 PM > Subject: Kitfox-List: 912 ul compression? > > > Question? > I was at the airport today to go over my Kitfox, and I rotated the prop in > the proper direction to pump up the oil. It has been a week so I like to > keep it up top. > The problem is, I noticed that the prop spun VERY easy, with not much > compression. It was 70 deg outside, and I get some sort of compresion > stroke probably on one or two clynders, other than that it used to be hard > to prop by hand all the way around. 140 hours TT. It starts and runs > fine and within temps, mags ok too. > > I wanted to know off hand the compression Numbers to go and check them > out. > > Thanks, > 'Let me know > Jay Fabian > > > -- > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 08:22:31 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: GRASS STRIPPER From: ROBERT E SIMON Hi Kitfox John, When I asked you if you would supply the elastic cord for the Kitfox suspension system, you said that it is available. I am ready to order, so send this item to me at: Robert E. Simon 301 Hickory Lane Mattoon, ILL. 61938 Any instillation tips will be appreciated. The three spring ,tail wheel system worked out just fine, and I feel that this area is without further problems. I am down until the Bunji cords are replaced. Old Bob The Grass stripper. ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 09:05:12 PM PST US From: "John Anderson" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Re: tires --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "John Anderson" You mean "yaw" ind...Dee. I have one too on my turn & bank, find I need right 1/2 ball of right pedal in cruse, has anyone fitted an ajustable rudder tab?? John A. From: "Dee Young" Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: tires I installed a bank indicator right in front of me on the panel. It has made it very easy to keep the plane straight on final. This may work for some you. Dee Young KF II N345DY Do Not Archive From: Lowell Fitt Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 5:59 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" A thought or two on tires. A friend had the flatter tread golf cart type tires and will tell you that the flat tread caused a significant cruise speed reduction. I understand the rap on the knobby tires is that they can catch and throw rocks - not good for fabric wings, though another guy in our group has worn his knobbys nearly flat and has no wing holes. I have the big two ply puppies and have three years and about three hundred hours on them and my log book says just about one landing on average per hour, mostly on pavement. I don't see any cord yet. There is a guy in the neighborhood - a CFI - that used to give me my bi-annual flight review and he loved low level stuff - you know, the down the runway dance with first right tire then left and so on. The only problem was I couldn't convince him that the visual track in a Kitfox was not like a Cessna. I changed tires out after every review and once after he took a guy up - or I guess more accurately down and sideways for the hour his insurance needed. I've got a new guy now. The point is; if your tires are wearing quickly, check your alignment with the runway on landing. An easy way to do it is to align your airplane on the ground with a distant object - a tree is great. Then climb in and check where the tree appears in your windshield. That is straight ahead. Then take a grease pencil or a thin strip of tape and mark the tree. Now you have straight ahead on the windsheild. Land with that on the far end of the runway, saves tires and lowers the tendency to do what tailwheel airplanes try to do all the time. One further note. When returning from Idaho several years ago six of us were fleeing some nasty looking weather and decided to land at Jackpot, Nevada to overnight and hope. The runway ran west to east and we were in strong tailwinds from the north. The first guy in was our most experienced pilot - my new bi-annual guy, in a nose dragging Rans by the way - and he announced an estimate of "8 at 90 degrees". After we were all on the ground, I was glad he was dead wrong because if he had announced 28 at 90 degrees, I would have started thinking - thinking left wing down opposite rudder etc., flying way behind the airplane. As it worked out I kept the airplane aligned with the runway with the windshield tape over the opposite end of the runway and did what I had to do to keep it there, resulting in a perfect side slip to landing. Not pretty, mind you, but got it down. My most vivid memory was not being able to tell when I was on the ground as there was just too much motion - mostly pitching - even there. Just some thoughts, Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 6:30 AM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" > >John , Very good point there on the 2 ply tires. >If you are flying off paved mostly perhpas a golf cart style tire would >fare better plus they are still fairly tall and wide to give good flotation >on soft ground. > >No cactus up here in Canada ;-0 > >Dave > > >----- Original Message ----- From: "john perry" >To: >Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:21 PM >Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires > > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" >> >>all these tires are only 2 ply , which is why i like the kenda tire with >>the straight lug they deflect the stickers and catus and goat heads and >>such . I no longer have flats to deal with lol also the 2 ply tires >>quickly wear out on pavement if doing alot of flying and your gear is not >>tracked right . >> >>Just my humble opinion and noone made me say these things . >>John Perry >>Kitfox 2 N718PDF >>fly safe fly low fly slow and have FUN >>----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" >>To: >>Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >>Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >> >> >>>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" >>> >>>http://www.mipowerparachute.com/Tires.html >>> >>>read that 40$ each >>> >>>no idea why you would mess around removing lugs. >>> >>>Also --seach out gold cart wheels 16.5 or 18.5 should work fine on 8 " >>>rim . >>> >>> >>> >>>Dave >>> >>> >>>----- Original Message ----- From: "john perry" >>>To: >>>Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:28 PM >>>Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>> >>> >>>>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "john perry" >>>> >>>>look at the Kenda tire 20x7x8 they are only 20. for each . I buy mine >>>>from rocky mountain atv >>>>www.rockymountainatvmc.com >>>>1-800-336-5437 >>>>they are great and with the lugs work wonderful they are not like the >>>>cheng shin original tires that are stripped of the lugs , by the way the >>>>cheng shin tires only cost 20. each and resell for 115. each when >>>>trimmed of the lugs . >>>> >>>>John Perry >>>>kitfox 2 N718PD >>>> >>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "joe" >>>>To: >>>>Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:19 AM >>>>Subject: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires >>>> >>>> >>>>>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "joe" >>>>> >>>>>Tractor supply has 20.00 x7.00 x8 tires for about $55.00 with knobs in >>>>>6 >>>>>rows around the tire. about 150 / 200 total. is there an easy way to >>>>>remove them? >>>>> >>>>>regards, >>>>> >>>>>Joe >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > >nbsp; Features Subscriptions >title=http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List >====================== bsp; available via title=http://forums.matronics.com/ -========================nbsp; Email List title=http://wiki.matronics.com/ nbsp; generous bsp; title=http://www.matronics.com/contribution ================ << image5.jpg >> _________________________________________________________________ Become a fitness fanatic @ http://xtramsn.co.nz/health ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 10:48:57 PM PST US From: Guy Buchanan Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: model 3 tires --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan At 04:59 PM 9/3/2006, you wrote: >Then >take a grease pencil or a thin strip of tape and mark the tree. Now you >have straight ahead on the windsheild. Land with that on the far end of the >runway, saves tires and lowers the tendency to do what tailwheel airplanes >try to do all the time. I'll vouch for this technique. It's GREAT! The only thing I'll add is that when you sit in the plane and focus on the tree you see two lines, (binocular vision,) which nicely bracket it. The Kitfox Head-Up-Display! Guy