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Charlie, my fuel filter has an
internal pressure relief to prevent a plugged filter from stopping fuel
flow. I think this plugged fuel filter condition can be prevented through
normal maintenance by monitoring take off fuel rate. If fuel
rate drops from 43 gal per hr to 42 then checking the filter is in order.
I will need to pull the top cowl, but cleaning the filter is a piece of cake
after that. I also have the stock high pressure overboard
relief.
I have had others say they have found stuff in a
gascolator as well. I have been a "poor" flyer for 20 plus years flying 40
year old planes that set on the tarmac all day and night. I have
seen water and particles in the tank drains many times, but NEVER in
the gascolator.
The Bonanza has two perfectly good drains, one in each
wing. Since it is a low wing, it must meet the requirements of FAR
23.999. I can't say for sure as I'm not up on all the far's, but it passes
annuals.
I think the gascolator is one of those "personal"
decisions, but in my opinion the design is one of those not so good left over's
from a long time ago and the low volumes of general aviation won't pay for an
upgrade. While our constant flow injectors are not nearly as sensitive as
the automotive electronic injectors, I still believe a fuel filter is
important and a necessity. That is the main point I wanted to make.
Specifically, I feel a filter is a positive rather than a
hindrance. The FAA obviously disagrees with me as
well.
Craig Berland
Craig--
I do not understand
> "I have one and it has a
pressure relief valve in it.". Is that a
bypass? Or an overboard high pressure relief system?
>"2. A gascolator is good for one thing and that is
causing vapor lock on hot starts. Particles that do not have there own zip
code are passed through. In 20 plus years I have never seen water come out
of a gascolator. The gascolator in the Bonanza I fly, until the IV-P
is complete, is not even visible let alone drainable. Drainage is done at
annual. I can't possibly see how that device prevents a slug of water
from going through to the engine.
I agree that the fuel as it travels through the engine compartment is
going to have the potential of a vapor lock. That includes a
gascolator.
I disagree that it takes a zip code to be trapped there. I have cleaned
many gascolators that had very fine dust particles trapped in the screen. And in
50 years I have seen water (and mud) in gascolators (during
preflights).
I am not familar with the Bonanza you fly, so excuse my ignorance, but your
statement that the gascolator is not even " visible let alone drainable" and only done at the annual??
would
seem to be counter to FAR 23.999 1, 2ii 2iii
Section 23.999: Fuel system drains.
(a) There must be at least one drain to allow safe
drainage of the entire fuel system with the airplane in its normal ground
attitude.
(b) Each drain required by paragraph (a) of this
section and §23.971
must—
(1) Discharge clear of all parts of the
airplane;
(2) Have a drain valve—
(i) That has manual or automatic means for positive
locking in the closed position;
(ii) That is readily accessible;
(iii) That can be easily opened and
closed;
(iv) That allows the fuel to be caught for
examination;
(v) That can be observed for proper closing;
and
(vi) That is either located or protected to prevent
fuel spillage in the event of a landing with landing gear
retracted.
And I thought that draining the gascolator (and fuel tank sumps) prior to the
first flight of the day was a standard preflight item.
Charlie K.
PS
I agree with the Shock Cooling statement! </html
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