Warbird Information Exchange

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this site are the responsibility of the poster and do not reflect the views of the management.
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:37 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Classic Wings Magazine WWII Naval Aviation Research Pacific Luftwaffe Resource Center
When Hollywood Ruled The Skies - Volumes 1 through 4 by Bruce Oriss


Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 10:09 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:08 am
Posts: 25
I saw a report that fuel tank flapper valves were responsible for an unaccounted loss of power during an approach.

(Low fuel state following aerobatic flight using 20 gallon reserve tank position. Selected to RH restored power.)

3 in one tank and 1 in the other tank seized.

Is there an easy way to check flapper valve function without removing tanks?


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 12:26 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:56 pm
Posts: 659
Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
Someone forwarded the same report to me, and the only references I can find online that includes 'T-6' and 'flapper valves' are in reference to the Texan II.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me...

:partyman:

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 4:33 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:08 am
Posts: 25
It was a UK CAA Mandatory Occurrence Report related to a 1944 SNJ-7C registration G-BRVG
3 in one tank failed and one in other tank.
Report hints it may have been laid up for some time as it mentioned that there was sufficient fuel to cover valves during no-flying period.

There was previously fuel starvation on approach following aerobatics.

I would like to establish a good way to ensure flapper valves are okay without removing tanks or sumps - could boroscope perhaps but needs to be a tank safe probe.

Any ideas?


Last edited by Chipfire on Wed Jul 15, 2015 2:07 am, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:19 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:29 am
Posts: 40
You should be able to reach them and maybe see them by removing the sump at the bottom of the tanks. I always thought the flappers just slowed down the sloshing of the fuel during turns etc. I think there are other openings in the ribs to allow fuel to transfer to the sump.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 7:58 am 
Offline
3000+ Post Club
3000+ Post Club
User avatar

Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:18 pm
Posts: 3258
Location: Phoenix, Az
if you drain the tanks, you may be able to see them with a mirror and flashlight, but if they have never been changed, change them, they are flaps of rubber and I have found them broken off and laying in the tanks.

_________________
Matt Gunsch, A&P, IA, Warbird maint and restorations
Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!!
We tried voting with the Ballot box, When do we start voting from the Ammo box, and am I allowed only one vote ?
Check out the Ercoupe Discussion Group on facebook


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:52 pm 
Offline
Been here a long time
Been here a long time

Joined: Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am
Posts: 11276
Ditto what Matt says. If you don't know when they were changed you should change them.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Flapper Valves
PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 10:13 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:35 am
Posts: 12
I knew someone whose engine quit when he nose over somewhat steeply because he had come up on his refueling airport sooner than expected. The fuel all sloshed away from the tank outlet because his flappers had rotted and fallen apart. After landing, the engine restarted fine in 3 point attitude. His wife was in the back seat and she wasn't happy.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group