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View Full Version : Header tank low fuel sender?



wildirishtime
05-25-2011, 09:53 PM
Don't really need the whole kit, just the threaded sender. Anyone know where I can get just the sender only? Thx!

War Eagle
05-26-2011, 01:39 PM
I have seen two different types of senders used: one is an optic sender and I think it was available from the old Skystar org. (but I don't know where in the open market to get it) and I think it required the you paint the header tank black so it would work.

The other is a float type sender. I used the float type sender and that is available from Aircraft Spruce. The part number is 6905-400 (Fuel Warning Sensor).

There could others as well so maybe someone else can provide additional input.

wildirishtime
05-26-2011, 03:16 PM
That 6905-400 float is pretty slick, looks like 1/2" threads is that right?
Is that what's already tapped into the tank on the Model 5 headers? or did you
have to add your own flange?

Dorsal
05-26-2011, 04:25 PM
I used the float type straight into the tank threads, use a good thread sealer.
(can be a PITA to take out again but it is possible)

wildirishtime
05-26-2011, 04:28 PM
same part # as War Eagle from Aircraft Spruce? Also are you able to do the 'wing-shake' test to verify it's still working? seems like the header tank is so full that would never work even with an optical, but I've read guys do it...?

Dorsal
05-26-2011, 04:33 PM
Yes, same part number. Have not tried the wing shake test, have tested at intervals by clamping the mains and running the engine.

kmach
05-27-2011, 08:31 AM
I was looking at those sensors on the A/C Spruce site, It's good to know they will work ! I will have to try one.

War Eagle
05-27-2011, 01:52 PM
I am not sure that the header tank on the Series 7 (my plane) is any different than the header tank on a Series 5. I would guess they are the same but I would want to verify that.

This fuel sender had pipe threads and it installs in the bushing that goes into the top threaded hole that is located on the pilot side of the header tank.

I have attached a picture of my tank with the sender unit installed. I am guessing it is probably 1/2 inch threads but I would have to take my seats out to look closely at it and I am not planning to do that until my next annual. Aircraft Spruce can probably tell you as they have been pretty helpful with technical details whenever I called them.

I installed a little red light in the panel that will illuminate (meaning low fuel in the header tank) and I also installed a push to test light that is part of my preflight check.

kmach
05-28-2011, 07:39 AM
In my series 5 there is an aluminum header tank, it has a hole on the upper pilot side that is filled with a blue plug currently. this is an old picture before I remounted the header tank, and rerouted fuel lines, relocated the fuel filters and added fuel shut off' s for the wing tanks. you can see the old not working low fuel sensor that is mounted on the vent line, I'm not sure if on the vent line is where it is supposed to be, but it didn't work so it was removed anyhow.

wildirishtime
05-28-2011, 08:27 AM
Dorsal/War Eagle: the plastic molded tank is ethanol safe isn't it? they don't slosh those tanks with sealer do they?

I'm going to get the plastic float - price is right, and the optical plastic ones even the mfg emailed me and said they don't recommend the plastic for gas only the metal optical sensor. ($195). Too rich for me if that float will slide in the 1/2" thread hole :)

~Wild

Dorsal
05-28-2011, 08:49 AM
Yes as far as I know they are ethanol safe. Also if I recall correctly the float type sensor threads directly into the plastic tank with a good and liberal amount of sealer (my first try did not seal completely). My setup looks the same as WarE's including the return line.

War Eagle
05-28-2011, 04:41 PM
The header tank is defintely different material than my wing tanks. I am guessing it is a poly type material rather than fiberglass like the wing tanks.

Never heard of the header tank being sloshed or coated.

kmach
06-28-2011, 01:19 PM
The low fuel sender I got from aircraft spruce isn't going to work in my model5's aluminum tank. The sender is too big to fit in the side top fitting, it was worth a try though.

Dave Holl
06-28-2011, 02:44 PM
Kitfox do a kit which has an additional tank which sits above the header tank and has an opening for the larger sender. I have the kit but have not yet fitted it
Dave

akarmy
06-28-2011, 03:48 PM
Here's some pics of it installed.

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=143&pictureid=1795


http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=143&pictureid=1796

Spook712
06-29-2011, 01:04 PM
Hey I have the optical sensor, and the foel low light comes on even if the header tank is full. It seems sunlight does ahve an effect, when flying below a thik cloud the light goes out, when the sun comes out the light comes on again. Anybody any ideas ??

Tuna

DesertFox4
06-29-2011, 04:09 PM
Common problem with the optical sensors. You could paint your header tank so no light gets through. Not sure what paint will stick to it. Another common problem with the optical sensors is "melting" (cold flowing) from auto gas usage. Not really sure if it's the alcohol or the other "toxic" additives they put in auto fuel now that melts the plastic in the sensors. Probably why most have gone away from that type already.

raffdhc6
05-29-2019, 01:43 AM
Hi guy, Could you please tell me what is the size for the fuel return line fitting on the header tank. Unfortunately I am 100km away from my aircraft and need to buy one. Can't find the size anywhere on the manual. Thanks Raff

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=143&pictureid=1795


http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=143&pictureid=1796[/QUOTE]

raffdhc6
05-29-2019, 02:15 AM
In my series 5 there is an aluminum header tank, it has a hole on the upper pilot side that is filled with a blue plug currently. this is an old picture before I remounted the header tank, and rerouted fuel lines, relocated the fuel filters and added fuel shut off' s for the wing tanks. you can see the old not working low fuel sensor that is mounted on the vent line, I'm not sure if on the vent line is where it is supposed to be, but it didn't work so it was removed anyhow.

I am planning to built an aluminum header tank for my K5 and I like the look of your aluminum one in the picture. Would you have by any chance the drawings or measurements, I would really appreciate it.

Cheers Raff

MKIIRob
06-17-2019, 04:20 AM
This is the type design I was thinking of using, very simple lots of different specs and suppliers for different applications. Really just looking for dash light notification that the header tank is starting to empty, then I know I'm on reserves, plenty of time to find somewhere to land. Fuel flow sensor for management of fuel burn + totalised used otherwise.

https://uk.farnell.com/honeywell/lrnh31s42/reed-float-sw-spst-nylon-6-6/dp/2445919

Flame suit on if someone can tell me why this is a stupid idea or if there is a cheaper option.

Don't know what the standard sensor from kitfox is worth if similar price will use one of them.

Cheers

Rob.

DesertFox4
06-17-2019, 03:55 PM
Looks similar to the factory supplied one Rob.