Bill,

 

This probably goes without saying, but it is vital to determine why the arcing is happening. this may be a tremendous safety issue for you (and others)

 

Arching does not happen in a vacuum (actually it is easier there) but there is a reason. It is possible that your electrical system is using your FUEL lines ( spelled lines full of FUEL) for the grounding of somewhat high amperage loads, such as starter or alternator.

 

One thing to ascertain is " is your engine adequately grounded". The engine mount is a poor conductor. you need a good grounding strap (line) between the "-" of your battery and the case of the engine. Since our engines are sandwiches and there is a possibility (possibly remote) that there is some resistance between the bread and the meat, your current, wanting the path of least resistance may be using those fuel lines. Perhaps you need a better ground to the mounting bolts of your starter and/or alternator.

 

I donnknow, if it were me, I would do the fuel line inspection, correction and replacement NOW, before further starting of the engine.

 

By the way, what is your rationale for delaying until the next conditional to correct a problem where there may be significant current flowing through your fuel lines, especially when there is a fuel smell. You don't smell liquid fuel, you smell the vapor. Lessee vapor mixed with fuel in the proper proportions with some sort of ignition system --lets say an electric shock-- may make your next conditional inspection unnecessary.

 

Keep safe and fly safely

 

Rich

 

I have several black spots on the SS braid for my fuel hoses they look like they were caused by an electrical arc?  I think I can smell fuel around the spots.  I plan to replace them at the conditional this month.  What fuel hoses are being used besides Aeroquip?

 

Bill B