Fuel Vent

[eschrom]

Yesterday while taxiing for takeoff I smelled raw fuel but dismissed it and took off anyway. (Not very smart in hindsight.) Then during the takeoff roll I saw several drops fall from the back of the tank, but this ended after climbout. That's what told me where to look for the cause and sure enough, after landing I learned that the vent tube was disintegrating. Not sure how long since I replaced it, maybe three or four years. Just a heads up to everyone to inspect it once in a while and maybe replace it regularly.

By the way, the decay was most advanced where the tube was stretched over the hose barb so I've removed the barb from the fitting.

Ed

 

[soneraifred]

I have always used 1/4” ID Tygon tubing for my fuel gauge and vent systems. It does not get brittle over time. It gets stiff, and discolors a little when there’s fuel in it for a long time, but it works very well. I also used it for my pitot and static systems.

 

[eschrom]

Good tip. Thanks, Fred. I chose the blue stuff because it claimed to be resistant to alcohol but that's a moot point because I use ethanol free gas anyway. Next weekend I'll install hardware store vinyl for temporary use until my next order to AS.

 

[Schmleff]

Why not use normal black fuel line for the vent?

 

[Steve Stephenson]

My fuel vent line is all aluminum tubing and so is the line to the fuel sight-gauge. Only the short section of fuel gauge is transparent fuel line. My plan is to change that section out every year as part of the annual.

 

[eschrom]

More good ideas. Thanks, guys.

 

[John B]

The only reason to use tygon or any other transparent tube is for the sight gage. All others I use Gates fuel line hose.