L. Trotter Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 So...How many sample fuel for water via the sump drain during winter with ambient temps below freezing? As for me...I don't. It may seem elementary but early in my flying career in Minot, ND with temps of below -20℉ I checked the fuel via the sump only to have a small piece of ice keep the sump open draining fuel onto the ground. It was difficult to get it to stop. Quote
RobertGary1 Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 You can usually stop it by jiggling it. Can’t even imagine flying without sampling. -Robert Quote
Andy95W Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 If it clogs with ice, you just need to warm it up. Consider using the extra long one, for safety: 1 3 2 Quote
Hank Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 I never had a problem living in the Ohio Valley, but my coldest departure was only 8°F, a mild spring afternoon for ND. Quote
carusoam Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 In NJ, sump all the time... Not knowing what the temp inside the tank is... There is a time that you might become comfortable on a string of cold days... when the water stays frozen all the time... Biggest fear, not knowing how much ice might be in there, while flying into warmer air... By now... most people have changed the fuel neck for a stainless steel part.... the 65C had one made of mild steal and it rusted along a formed bend... allowing water into the tank... bottom line... Water shouldn’t be getting in to the tank in such unknown quantities... My experience was Pre-MS. Getting proper parts was near impossible for a youngish aviator... Most winter days are in the 20-30°F around here... often transitioning above freezing in the sun... Best regards, -a- Quote
EricJ Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 Debris can jam it open, too. Just keep poking it until it stops. It usually doesn't take much to clear it up so that it'll close again. 1 Quote
Shadrach Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 It's a funny thing how sumping our tanks borders on religious doctrine. In 20 years of flying, the only time I have ever gotten water is when the top of the wing has been exposed to water for an extended period (either parked or in the air) or on one occasion, out of a fuel truck. Considering the amount of water necessary to actually reach a fuel pick up (in any attitude coordinated or otherwise), I think it would be near miracle status that well a maintained fuel system suffer a lose of power due to water ingestion...unless it's been tampered with! I sump regularly because I'm not about to let my enemies take me out with a jug of H2O. As to the freezing issue - If during flight or storage the plane is exposed to inclement weather its a good idea to mix isopropyl alcohol (pure not the with the fuel at every fill up. The ratio is 1:96 or ~1% (.5qt for every 12 gallons). Cheap insurance. Enough for 96 gals: https://www.amazon.com/Isopropyl-Alcohol-99-Gallon-Packed/dp/B01DGYX7HO/ref=pd_sim_328_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01DGYX7HO&pd_rd_r=53a0f436-ecd0-11e8-a464-9d17b534f1da&pd_rd_w=1n9Cs&pd_rd_wg=DRkG0&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=5N0XW63M25KTDWGAFWCK&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=5N0XW63M25KTDWGAFWCK 1 Quote
RLCarter Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 7 hours ago, L. Trotter said: So...How many sample fuel for water via the sump drain during winter with ambient temps below freezing? As for me...I don't. It may seem elementary but early in my flying career in Minot, ND with temps of below -20℉ I checked the fuel via the sump only to have a small piece of ice keep the sump open draining fuel onto the ground. It was difficult to get it to stop. Your not just looking for water, debris can also ruin your day, along with mis-fueling. If you have enough water in your tank that it hangs the sump open when frozen, that would be too much for me. I sump before each flight and after each fueling (after time for it to settle) 1 Quote
carusoam Posted November 20, 2018 Report Posted November 20, 2018 Always looking for... 1) moisture 2) color 3) dirt 4) water or clear fuel..? Spit in it... spit should sink...not spread out.... All three are important to know about... You can be very surprised when a lot of rain has entered the tank because of a compromised o ring, or mal adjusted fuel cap... Best regards, -a- Quote
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