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Prefabricated Fuel Lines

Aircraft Specialty

Well Known Member
How much interest would there be in prefab rigid fuel lines for the RV-12? There is no set time frame on this, and there would be some hurdles to overcome. It may be possible to offer rigid fuel lines that drop right into place. Some would be pre flared, and some would need one flare put on after installation.

Any thoughts from current RV-12 builders? Or any thoughts from those who already built lines and would have liked to have this option available?

If we did something like this, it would be similar to the lines we prefab for the rv-14. They would be bent with a CNC tubing bender and come ready to install.

Thanks in advance for the input.
Steve
 
How much interest would there be in prefab rigid fuel lines for the RV-12? There is no set time frame on this, and there would be some hurdles to overcome. It may be possible to offer rigid fuel lines that drop right into place. Some would be pre flared, and some would need one flare put on after installation.

Any thoughts from current RV-12 builders? Or any thoughts from those who already built lines and would have liked to have this option available?

If we did something like this, it would be similar to the lines we prefab for the rv-14. They would be bent with a CNC tubing bender and come ready to install.

Thanks in advance for the input.
Steve

This would be especially nice from aux fuel pump back to fuel tank (with provision for tank drain and maybe a plugged 1/4" female for pressure sensor) for fuel level...the type Belite sells.
 
It may be possible to offer rigid fuel lines that drop right into place. Some would be pre flared, and some would need one flare put on after installation.

I think more builders would be interested if you offered a full set of all the rigid lines for the RV-12 pre-made so you wouldn't need to buy a tube bender and flaring tool.
 
I think more builders would be interested if you offered a full set of all the rigid lines for the RV-12 pre-made so you wouldn't need to buy a tube bender and flaring tool.

Mark,

I agree. However it is not physically possible in the rv-12 to have prefab lines with both flares done for every hose. The line from the valve to transducer is an example. It passes through a grommet and won't fit through the hole if both ends are pre flared. Other lines, such as from the transducer to the firewall and the tank to the pump can be pre flared on both sides.

The tubes which would require one flare to be done by the builder would be pre built, pre bent and ready to slide in place. After sliding in place, one flare would need to be made and then it would be tightened down. It would turn those tubes into a single flare event.

The bends would be made on a CNC tubing Bender and accurate within about .010 of an inch. Preliminary testing with a few lines has shown 100% repeatability and a very simple installation.

If we ended up clearing some of the logistical hurdles of this, it may be possible to have a "floating" tool that the purchase of this package would include for rental for a few days. It could move around from builder to builder.

A package like this would be something we would want to discuss with vans for Elsa reasons. (EAB would be no issue at all) However, it would have a positive effect in that it would guaranty that all critical fuel system components would fit perfectly.

Just some thoughts
Steve
 
This is one of the great things about having a plane under construction where you can put eyes on the target and really tweek things. Fortunately, Steve and Bob are building a 12 and can test fit everything right there, and NOT have to use USPS! LOL. Wish every project was like that.

Seems there are some edge distance issues with some of the bulkheads where the tubing passes through, same area as the brake lines. Steve and I have talked about this alot.

Tom
 
The RV12 may be very close to the 51% rule limit. Buying prefab parts could put you over. Just something to consider - especially for those who adhere strictly to the ELSA aspect.
 
FYI

Rotax has a service instruction, SI-912-022, which is a cancellation of the five year replacement requirement for fuel hoses, for a lot of the 912 engines, since they came from the factory with teflon hoses.
Although it doesn't address the oil and coolant hoses, it is worth looking at and could save a lot of time and money.
 
Rotax has a service instruction, SI-912-022, which is a cancellation of the five year replacement requirement for fuel hoses, for a lot of the 912 engines, since they came from the factory with teflon hoses.
Although it doesn't address the oil and coolant hoses, it is worth looking at and could save a lot of time and money.

This probably should go in another thread. This thread is about prefabricated rigid fuel lines in the cabin and doesn't address anything firewall forward.

Steve
 
The carb hoses on the 912 are indeed Stratoflex 101, a great hose. The others, unless recently been changed were firesleeve over automotive 100R30 hose, with barbed fittings and clamps. The Oil hoses are teflon, the coolant hoses are automotive EPDM hoses from NAPA.

Many builders substitute molded silicone hoses for the coolant hoses during the first annual. From what we've heard, they have had good results.

Tom
 
Have you guys thought of adding a coolant hose kit to your inventory?

The discussion has absolutely come up. But there are no definite plans for that at the moment. We won't be able to run our standard type conductive Teflon hoses in that configuration. Once we get to the firewall forward area of our airplane, I will take a close look at it and see if there may be a good aftermarket retrofit for it.

Steve
 
Hi John--
well yep Steve and I have talked about it. Since Steve is building one, we'll get some first hand data on these, and maybe come up with a solution.
Back in the race car days, we'd use Earls Performa flex hose. But it still has a synthetic rubber liner, but probably better than whats currently available other than silicone. Obviously flexibility would be a major issue. WE may address this this summer.

Tom
 
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