Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #13589
From: Ed Anderson <eanderson@carolina.rr.com>
Subject: Fuel Leaks
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 14:21:34 -0500
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Went back out today to install the revised muffler (fewer inserts), unfortunately did not get to check it out.  After starting the engine to let it warm up, I hopped out of the cockpit to get my sound meter.  I notice a wet spot below the fire wall on the concrete and killed the engine.  I turned out to be a fuel leak (actually two of them).
 
The most serious was a leak in the fuel return line from the pressure regulator to my header tank which is a low pressure line.  In any case, the fuel was bubbling out between the stainless steel braid about 2 1/2" above the fitting and dropping straight down to the cowl (if had been on).  Line had been on the engine for 340 running hours and not in a high heat area.
 
The other hose from the EFI pumps to the filters and injectors all appear to be OK, which is interesting in that those are high pressure areas.  I used Earl's hoses for some of the braided steel lines - but this time decided to use AeroEquip as a replacement.
 
Second leak is apparently due to a fuel injector sticking open in that whenever the EFI pumps are turned on there is fuel leaking from the upper manifold block interface.  So I understand Bernie {:>).  Won't know until I take off the manifold but I suspect that is one of primaries (naturally - as they are hardest to get at).
 
These are refurbished injectors supposedly cleaned and flow tested - but, unless you buy new Mazda injectors at $235, you are getting remanufactured injectors which are getting to be almost 15 years old in some cases.
 
 
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson@carolina.rr.com
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