New Kitfox owner

[av8rps]

If I had a 914 Kitfox I would just follow what the factory does for the fuel system as it apparently works as they have designed it. I shared the info on the Highlander more in an effort to warn others of the pitfalls of recirculating hot fuel back and forth between a very hot engine compartment and a small header tank in the baggage compartment. We will never be 100% sure that was the only issue with that Highlander, but I will say not only was it ok until the day it was ground run a lot before the takeoff on a very warm day, but after the crash that aircraft was rebuilt and that same engine installed identically with the exception of routing return fuel to the wing tank, and it operated perfect. So I know what I believe...

And maybe my statement or term I used as fuel vaporization wasn't exact as I am not a fuel engineer. But I don't believe a fuel pump can pump fuel consistently when it is anything other than a liquid. What I do know is that my friend that crashed that day is extremely lucky to be alive, and has had 7+ surgeries since in an effort to get back to close to normal. So I will never take what I learned that day lightly. Hopefully 914 Kitfoxes don't have that same issue, but I felt obligated to share my experience in the name of safety. So use it as you see fit.

[DesertFox4]

Thanks Paul. We took it just that way. My friend is plumbing just as the S-LSA's are done. However we will stay on alert for any surging. I've recently heard that the computer units that control the turbo may, I repeat may contribute to surging also.
Something else to investigate maybe.

[inflight]

Yes, Thank You Paul! All in the name of safety, I really appreciate your experience. I am pretty certain I will re-plumb the entire fuel system. I plan on getting ahold of my friends from Stick and Rudder and probably calling the McBeans to inquire about how they do the factory SLSA but does anyone know, and even better, have photos of the fuel system in a factory 914 installation? It would be very helpful in the planning process. Thanks again! This is why this is such an awesome community!

[tommg13780]

Mark,
I was the other sole bidder on Ebay for those carbs and had some regrets about losing the auction. Surprised to find a second chance offer this morning so it worked out after all. Apparently this seller has a stockpile of these carbs because this auction was about the 12th pair of these going to ebay with most of the sales settling up at around $400 per pair. Let's compare notes on the outcome.

[inflight]

Tom-

When I contacted the seller he told me he has sold over 160 of them since 2008. There is definitely a stock pile. Do you have a 914? I'm sure someone here can clarify but I know that the 912 and 914 carbs are slightly different, not sure how. Sorry, I snipe eBay items, I'm glad you still got yours. Comparing notes is a great idea.

[tommg13780]

Mark,
I have the 80hp version but for the price we're getting these carbs I 'm not concerned. I definitely will not send carbs out for rebuild again after having a very bad experience. $500 estimated cost, $1200 actual and they came back with 3 of the 4 floats wouldn't float. I think I could have got better results all by myself.

[inflight]

Tom-

You're not the first time I've heard that sad story. The way I see it is now I have a spare set of carbs to tear into myself and not be worried about it. I agree, I think we can do better ourselves. Not to mention the cost going up substantially after you sent them in. That's ludicrous. Just an FYI, the auction ended and I paid on Tuesday and have yet to get a shipping notice. Hopefully this won't become an issue.

[Ramos]

Mark,
Thank you for the Stick & Rudder information. Everything I have found on them has been quite positive.
Jon

To all: Apologies for the 'thread drift'.

[rosslr]

Ramos - this is a bit late but I would thoroughly recommend Stick and Rudder - I travelled to the US 2X to undertake training with them - the first time to make sure this was the plane I wanted to build and the second to make a 'test pilot' out of them. I did the first flight on our plane about a week after leaving Stick and Rudder and it was almost identical to flying their plane. An investment well worth the time and money and it certainly showed me that the aircraft will do anything that I will ever ask of it!

cheers

r

[inflight]

Ramos-

It is a pretty generic thread in the first place and I won't miss a chance to sing praises about Stick and Rudder. I'm glad Ross followed me up on that. He traveled MUCH farther than I did TWICE. That's a good endorsement. I think I might go back this summer also as I need 2 more hours in type to satisfy my insurance.