Testing - No fuel pump
in General Tech Discussion
13 years ago
Hi All,
Here is a little test you could do with your plane to let you know how it will run without a fuel pump. I have a Flight Design CTSW high wing and wanted to see if it would gravity feed or would die without the pump. I disconnected the pump and joined the two hoses. I started the engine and ran it at 4900 static rpm on the ground, which equates to 5300-5400 rpm in the air, for about 30 minutes. It never coughed or sputtered. This test leads me to believe that if I lost my fuel pump the engine would still run until I landed. Interesting result to say the least.
Now the question begs; If the pump were to go out in flight and you didn't have a fuel pressure gauge how would you know? I don't have an answer.
The results may be totally different on other aircraft due to plumbing and of course high wing verses low wing. It is a good test and may or may not give you peace of mind.
If anyone tries this little test which is very easy I would like to know the results, including any low wing aircraft.
p.s.
If you do this test, then after the lines are off the fuel pump hand prop the engine a few times with a rag by the fuel pump to get any remaining fuel out so it doesn't squirt all over when you start the plane. It might be nice to get some real data on this.
Here is a little test you could do with your plane to let you know how it will run without a fuel pump. I have a Flight Design CTSW high wing and wanted to see if it would gravity feed or would die without the pump. I disconnected the pump and joined the two hoses. I started the engine and ran it at 4900 static rpm on the ground, which equates to 5300-5400 rpm in the air, for about 30 minutes. It never coughed or sputtered. This test leads me to believe that if I lost my fuel pump the engine would still run until I landed. Interesting result to say the least.
Now the question begs; If the pump were to go out in flight and you didn't have a fuel pressure gauge how would you know? I don't have an answer.
The results may be totally different on other aircraft due to plumbing and of course high wing verses low wing. It is a good test and may or may not give you peace of mind.
If anyone tries this little test which is very easy I would like to know the results, including any low wing aircraft.
p.s.
If you do this test, then after the lines are off the fuel pump hand prop the engine a few times with a rag by the fuel pump to get any remaining fuel out so it doesn't squirt all over when you start the plane. It might be nice to get some real data on this.
Roger Lee
LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
520-349-7056 Cell
