Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 45

Thread: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Brownsburg, IN
    Posts
    544

    Default Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    My new header tank is here! Ok, now what the heck is this part for?

    My replacement aluminum header tank has a couple extra holes that my poly tank did not have. I've figured out all that, but two parts have me puzzled. What is the 3" piece of 1-1/4" radiator hose and flange adapter for? My first guess is for the new sump drain, but my tank is nowhere near the bottom fabric where the 3" hose would reach. And I guess the alum flange would glue to the fabric?

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Winchester, KY
    Posts
    299

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    If your tank is not close enough to the fabric to use the 3" hose, you don't have the tank installed correctly. It should very low down behind the right side seat.

    Dick B

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Brownsburg, IN
    Posts
    544

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Thanks Dick,
    I'm not the original builder and I'm converting from the poly tank to the aluminum. The poly tank was mounted fairly high in my KF, about a foot above the belly skin. I feel a little bit limited by the aluminum outlet line coming out of the tank as to where I can place the new tank.
    Jay

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Attached are some photos of the aluminum header tank I have. I had 2 of the plastic POS header tanks both leaked badly.
    Here is a photo of the top of the aluminum tank. The two top hoses left & right go to the wing tanks. The center hose and clear tubing goes to the fuel warning switch in the round canister above.
    I will need to do 4 post to get the 4 pictures that may help you.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Paul Z; 08-25-2014 at 09:00 PM. Reason: Add comment
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Here is the front of the header tank. See the tubing line, just under the hose, it feeds up to the fuel filter to the engine. Also look in the next posting to see the tubing, and hose routing. The hose feeds to the right top of the tank and is a fuel return line.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Paul Z; 08-25-2014 at 09:02 PM. Reason: Edit
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    This is a picture of the POS plastic header tank but it shows where the return fuel line goes into the tank. Just below the return line there is a drain fitting, just pluged. In the bottom of the header tank there is one drain, that a fuel check valve is installed. I hope this helps, I know you have a IV, and mine is a seven, but I would imagine the design concept is similar.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Here is my other plastic tank, as you can see both had leaks!
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    If you need more photos please feel free to ask.
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Boxmeer ,Netherlands
    Posts
    61

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Hello
    I have also a plastic headertank and it looks good.
    Where are they leaking ,at te fittings or is the plastic not fuelproof and will it sweat?
    Eric

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Alum. header tank question. KF IV

    Both of mine leaked at the fittings. They would not tighten up and the sealant didn't seal adequately. See above two pictures to see where they leaked, The Header tank that is leaking from the top ( the picture posted Yesterday, 10:57 PM) is the one that was in my plane when I purchased it. I went to go flying with my wife the first time, and we opened the door, and the plane reeked of Gas Fumes. I replaced it with the second tank, (the picture posted at Yesterday, 10:59 PM) which leaked from the side fitting. I finally replaced it with the aluminum tank. Since then my wife has never been willing to go flying in the plane!
    Last edited by Paul Z; 08-26-2014 at 11:08 AM.
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •