Fuel smell on takeoff

[JackinMichigan]

We took our RV-10 on it's second flight today. Both flights were 45 minute long circles around the airfield at 2,400 AGL.

On takeoff, between right when the wheels leave the ground to about 700 ft, I'm getting a distinct and unmistakable odor of fuel in the cockpit. It goes away once I reach 1000 ft, but it's happened both times. Takeoff is, of course, full rich, full throttle and prop governor all the way in. Apart from that both flights have been quite uneventful.

I really want to know where this fuel smell is coming from. We pressure tested the fuel system to 20psi (the most pressure the fuel valve can handle) and it stayed rock solid for days. Anyone else experience this?

[rvdave]

We’re the tanks full? Fuel vent at wing root? Odor thru aileron push tube hole?

[David Paule]

Did you check the fuel vent system?

Dave

[JackinMichigan]

First flight tanks were about 1/2 full. Second flight tanks were completely full. Same smell both times.

[Jasonm]

I had the same thing happen to me after refueling. Really got my attention! It dissipated shortly after I reached pattern altitude. I attribute the odor to the tanks being full.

[Bill.Peyton]

Either fuel level sending unit or B nut is loose on fuel vent line inside the tank. Open the lower intersection compartment and take a look for stains. If no fuel stains around sending unit, then fill tank and watch fo fuel to flow out of the vent. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ight=Fuel+vent


You should not smell fuel even when you over fill the tank..... Here is a good thread to read on a similar issue

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=Fuel+smell

[snopercod]

One thing I discovered during my Phase I testing was that every single B-nut on the entire aircraft needed re-torquing. Vibration, I guess...

[9GT]

Wrap all your fuel fittings with white tissue or napkin and tape. Take it around the pattern and check them all for the telltale blue stains. It is known that the vents sometimes will purge a bit of fuel and you can smell it in the cockpit. Knowing this I took great care to seal out any air entering from the wing roots by fabricating flexible control rod boots and sealing up any wire/fuel line holes with a little silicone. Never had a fuel smell problem and I always kept the tissue wrapped on the fittings and inspected at every condition inspection.

[JackinMichigan]

Originally Posted by Bill.Peyton

Either fuel level sending unit or B nut is loose on fuel vent line inside the tank. Open the lower intersection compartment and take a look for stains. If no fuel stains around sending unit, then fill tank and watch fo fuel to flow out of the vent. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ight=Fuel+vent


You should not smell fuel even when you over fill the tank..... Here is a good thread to read on a similar issue

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=Fuel+smell

I think that turned out to be it. The left tank was dripping fuel out of the overflow and leaking in several places, in spite of the fact it was a quick build and these tanks were guaranteed not to leak. In the process of pulling the tank off and sending it back to Vans.

[Jimd]

If you don't keep the ball in the center during climbout and the tanks are anywhere near full and you DONT smell fuel you aren't using all your available senses.