Fuel Filter Advice

[Paul Z]

Paul,
Are you sure it is a 2301 (35 micron) and not a 2302 (85 micron) - they look identical? Curious to know for sure what the factory uses!

Greg

I needed to replace the Filter because when I first started flying the plane I used Auto Fuel as marked on the Wings, I just didn't think about the detrimental effects of the Alcohol (Big Mistake), it started eating away at the tank or stripping out the mold release, and I had to flush my tanks, replace the hoses, clean out the air box, replace the filter, and rebuild the Carbs. I ordered a Fuel Filter from Kitfox. Kitfox sent me an auto fuel filter that was the typical auto in-line push on fuel filter, and it wouldn't work with my flanged inline mounting. I ended up removing the Fuel Filter, it had no labels saying what Model Number it was, it just had Earls Stamped on one of the Hex ends. I did a search trying to find the replacement. The only one I could find was Earl's Fuel Filter 230106, which is a 35 Micron. I have had absolutely no problems with the filter, never clogging. When I purchased it I figure if it works on a Race Car it should work on a plane, and it matched the Housing Size & Shape of the one I was replacing.

I did not realize, and did not find the 85 Micron filter, I guess I need to Call John and ask him which he would recommend using. 35 Microns is a significantly smaller than the 85 Microns. I'm going to drive to the airport and see if I still have the old filter in my tool box.

What are your thoughts?

35 Micron
http://www.jegs.com/i/Earls/361/230108/10002/-1

85 Micron
http://www.jegs.com/i/Earl%26%23039%...30208/10002/-1

[Danzer1]

Hi Paul,

As yours is SLSA, you need to stick with the factory recommendation, so best to check with them.

Personally, I don't believe anything below 100 micron is necessary as there are no parts, passages, ports, jets on any carb (that I know of) that are smaller then .5 millimeters (500 microns). Anything smaller than 100 would pass through and still be burnt in the combustion cycle. 1/10th of a millimeter is pretty dang small! As an a example: the thickness of a piece of #20 bond weight paper is about 1/10 of a millimeter. Anything much lower than 100 also increases your risk of premature clogging and hence more frequent filter maintenance.

IMHO,
Greg

[Paul Z]

Debbie, didn't recall she talked to either John or Judd and said it was the 35 Micron Filter. Like I have said I have never had it clog up. Even when I had the sludge in the fuel system it didn't clog it up.

[Danzer1]

Paul,

I just checked the SLSA brochure and it does say 35 micron, but I would check anyway as the same brochure also say it doesn't have a fuel pump and a 912ULS definitely has one - mechanical, but it is there - maybe they mean it doesn't have an "electric" fuel pump!

Greg

[Paul Z]

Only one Fuel Pump, on the passenger side of the engine. I just replaced it because of a recall. No electric anywhere I can find!

[Paul Z]

I think John needs a new flyer.
Here is the existing flyer from the Web. http://www.kitfoxaircraft.com/images...-SLSA-2014.jpg
Equip-Features-SLSA-2014.jpg

He's been pushing a Tri Gear or a Tail Wheel, here is my suggestion for change. I am having fun with my new plane.
New Kitfox Flyer.jpg