From: Billhogarty@aol.com
Message-ID: <32.ccfffd0.274ca666@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 23:32:38 EST
Subject: Re: Fuel Filter for IV-P
To: BOBPAS26@aol.com
CC: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Bob:

As I recall, there is a large percentage of first flight (or shortly 
thereafter) failures from fuel contamination.  Clean fuel is a must.  Despite 
all the precautions,  there is stuff in the tanks, lines, etc.  To me, a good 
fuel filter is mandatory.

I bought the "big blue"  fuel filter from Lancair.  Had it for quite a few 
years before I figured out a place to put it.  After a lot of head 
scratching, the space under the copilots floor between the fuel valve and the 
fuel pump was chosen primarily for accessibility and the ability to drain the 
filter without spilling fuel inside the aircraft.   Asked for suggestions 
from the List.  The only answer I received was from a flier who had installed 
it on the firewall between the gascolator and the engine, right above the hot 
turbo crossover.  He said it worked fine but I was leary of the engine heat 
causing vapor lock and also the probability of fire since the filter as well 
as the fittings are aluminum and those two turbos are pretty close and pretty 
hot.  

I installed the hydraulic package per the manual but added a 1000 PSI 
pressure gauge from a T-33.  That was in addition to the amber " on " light.  
The gauge is really worthwhile as you can watch the flap action as well as 
the gear.  Also you get to measure how many days your system holds pressure.  
Like anything else, once you get used to using a gauge, you can't fly without 
it.

I would suggest that you add the Lancair Hydraulic filter in the return line 
because there is reported to be a lot of metal floating around  in the system 
 from  all those cylinders, fittings, lines, etc.

One final idea.  I did not want to have to pull the baggage compartment apart 
each preflight to check the level of the hydraulic fluid (we all do that 
-right??? ) , so I plumbed a little extension from the hydraulic tank up thru 
the " hat rack"  and when I unscrew the fitting, there is a dipstick that 
indicates the level of the fluid.  This is readily accessible thru the 
baggage door and fluid can be added very easilly  Real neat and cost only a 
few $$$ .   

Hope this helps;  happy building,  Bill Hogarty
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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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