Sylvie Willis
Filling the fuel tank of an RC plane can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. While some experienced users recommend using a fuel pump to fill the tank, others suggest disconnecting the fuel line going to the engine and filling it with a funnel. It is important to consider the location of the tank in relation to the centre of gravity, as well as the capacity required for a decent flight time. To prevent fuel leakage, a fuel dot or a fuel valve with an internal check valve can be used. Additionally, using a filter in the fuel line can help prevent debris from entering the carburetor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank filling method | Fuel pump |
| Fuel pump connection | Connects to the gallon can, with a hose hooked to the fuel line going to the carb |
| Fuel line | Disconnect the fuel line going to the engine |
| Fuel dot | A simple, cheap, and convenient way of refueling |
| Fuel tank installation | Verify that the end of the vent line is near the top of the tank, with the clunk located at the rear of the tank |
| Fuel tank location | Close to the CG point to prevent the nose from pushing down excessively when full |
| Fuel tank mounting | Mounted on a layer of foam rubber to prevent rubbing against the airframe and developing a hole |
| Fuel tank capacity | Depends on the flight time and flying style; look around at what others are using for similarly-sized engines |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel pump to fill the tank
To fill the tank of your RC plane with a fuel pump, you must first locate the fuel tank. Usually, the instructions for the plane indicate the best position for the tank in the airframe. The tank should be located so that its centreline is level with the centreline of the engine. This prevents the need to suck fuel uphill.
Next, you need to get a fuel pump that is suitable for the type of fuel you are using. If your RC plane uses a gasoline engine, you can use a standard fuel pump. However, if your plane uses nitro fuel, you will need to get a fuel pump that is made for fuel with nitro in it, as the nitro could eat through a regular fuel pump.
Now, you can begin the process of filling the tank. Disconnect the fuel line going to the engine, and connect your fuel pump. Crank the pump until you see fuel in the exhaust line, or disconnect the exhaust line and watch for fuel to come out. You can also fill the tank by removing the feed line from the carburetor and pumping fuel into the tank until it runs out of the overflow line.
If you have a gasoline engine, you can use a "T" coupler to install the fueling line between the carburetor and the fuel tank. However, if you have a glow engine, you will need to install a third line to the tank. Most tank plugs have a third hole that is not all the way through, so you will need to punch this hole through and decide if you want one or two clunk lines.
To prevent fuel from leaking out and air from entering the fueling port while the engine is running, you can install a fueling valve with an internal check valve in the fuel line between the carburetor and the fuel tank. However, keep in mind that these check valves may not always work correctly, so you may need to replace the fueling valve with a fuel dot, which is a cheap and easy solution.
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Disconnect the fuel line going to the engine
Disconnecting the fuel line going to the engine is a crucial step when filling the fuel tank of an RC plane. This process can be challenging, especially for beginners, but it is important to ensure a safe and efficient refuelling process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this procedure:
Firstly, locate the fuel line connected to the engine. This line supplies fuel from the tank to the engine, and it is usually connected to the carburetor. Modern gasoline engines use a pumping carburetor that creates suction to draw fuel through the line. Before disconnecting, it is important to have a fuel pump ready to fill the tank. This pump will connect to the fuel container and help refill the tank without causing spills.
When you are ready to disconnect, carefully detach the fuel line from the engine. This step requires precision to avoid any damage to the line or the engine itself. Make sure you have a good grip on the line and slowly pull it away from the engine connection. It is recommended to have a helper guide you through this process to ensure it is done correctly.
Once the fuel line is disconnected, you can attach your fuel pump to the line. Crank the pump until you see fuel appearing in the exhaust line. Alternatively, you can disconnect the exhaust line and watch for the fuel to exit, ensuring you don't fill the muffler. This step ensures that the tank is filled correctly and prevents overfilling.
After filling the tank, it is important to securely reconnect the fuel line to the engine. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure before operating the RC plane. It is also good practice to check for any leaks and ensure that the fuel line is properly seated and functioning correctly.
Disconnecting the fuel line going to the engine is a vital step in refuelling your RC plane. Always exercise caution and seek guidance if you are unsure about any part of the process. With practice, you will become more comfortable with this procedure, ensuring safe and enjoyable flights.
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Use a fuel dot for easy refuelling
Refuelling an RC plane can be a tricky business, especially for beginners. One of the most important things to consider is the location of the tank. The tank's position affects the plane's centre of gravity (CG). It is recommended to position the tank as close as possible to the CG point, so that when it is full, it does not push the nose down excessively. When fuel is burned, the CG won't shift to the rear, which can alter the handling of the plane. To prevent the tank from rubbing against the airframe and developing a hole, tanks are usually mounted on foam rubber.
Now, for the refuelling process. If you have a gasoline engine or a rare glow engine with a fuel pump, you can use a "T" coupler to install the fuelling line between the carburettor and the fuel tank. However, if you have a glow engine, be aware that it pulls fuel directly into the carburettor and does not require a fuel pump. This means that if you install a "T" coupler, you will flood the carburettor while filling the tank.
This is where a fuel dot comes in. A fuel dot is a simple, cheap, and convenient way to refuel your RC plane without the hassle of removing the cowling each time. It is a plug for the fuel line that resembles a gas cap from the outside, making it ideal for scale RC planes. The outer piece slips through a pre-drilled hole in the engine cowling and is secured with a nut. The inner plug has a nipple that plugs the fuel tubing and an O-ring to ensure a snug fit.
To install a fuel dot, you will need to decide on the number of clunk lines. While some prefer two clunk lines for easier fuel removal and troubleshooting, others worry about potential interference and tangling. Regardless, you may need to lubricate the O-ring with oil or Vaseline for a smooth slide. Do not enlarge the hole in the outer portion, as this will cause the plug to fall out of place.
Fuel dots are readily available at local hobby stores and online retailers, with a wider selection often found on eBay. With their ease of use and affordability, fuel dots offer a great solution for RC enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free refuelling experience.
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Install a fuel valve to prevent fuel leaks
Installing a fuel valve is a great way to prevent fuel leaks in your RC plane. A fuel valve is installed in the fuel line between the carburettor and the fuel tank. It has an internal check valve that forces the fuel from your fuel pump into the fuel tank, preventing the engine from flooding.
However, some users have reported that the check valves on their fuel valves don't work as intended, leading to fuel leaks and wasted fuel. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the fuel valve with a fuel dot, a simple, cheap, and convenient alternative.
If you still want to install a fuel valve, here is a step-by-step guide:
First, locate the fuel tank and carburettor. The fuel valve will be installed in the fuel line between these two components. If you have a gasoline engine or a rare glow engine with a fuel pump, you can use a "T" coupler to install the fueling line. However, if you have a glow engine, you will need to install a third line to the tank by punching a hole in the stopper to open it up.
Next, decide on the placement of the fuel valve. Consider the effect on the centre of gravity (CG) when the tank is full and when fuel is burned off. You don't want the weight of the full tank to push the nose down excessively, and you also want to avoid the CG shifting too far back when fuel is burned off, as this can alter the handling of the plane. A common practice is to mount the tank on a layer of foam rubber using double-sided tape, which helps to prevent the tank from rubbing against the airframe and developing holes.
Now, you can proceed to install the fuel valve. Follow the instructions that come with your specific fuel valve for the exact steps, as different brands may have slightly different installation processes. Make sure to take your time and carefully connect the fuel valve to the fuel line, ensuring a secure and tight fit to prevent leaks.
Finally, test the fuel valve to ensure it is working correctly. Fill the fuel tank and check for any signs of fuel leakage around the valve. Also, observe whether the engine is flooding or if there are any issues with fuel flow during operation. If everything looks good, your fuel valve has been successfully installed!
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Consider tank location and its effect on the centre of gravity
The fuel tank's location in an RC plane is important as it affects the centre of gravity (CG). The plane is typically balanced with an empty fuel tank, which makes it nose-heavy on takeoff and during flight.
To prevent this, the fuel tank should be placed as close as possible to the CG point. This will prevent the plane from pushing the nose down excessively when the tank is full. It is also important to consider the loss of weight when the fuel is burned off, as the CG won't shift to the rear, which can alter the handling of some planes dramatically.
The instructions for the plane usually indicate the best position for the tank in that airframe. Ideally, the tank should be located so that its centreline is level with the centreline of the engine. This alignment prevents the need to suck the fuel uphill, which can be challenging for the pumping carburetor.
The standard and safe CG position for a typical wing-in-front, tail-in-back plane is 33% of the wing chord. Locating the CG at 25% is also considered a safe bet for a maiden flight, as it is better to have a nose-heavy plane than a tail-heavy one.
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Frequently asked questions
Filling an RC plane's fuel tank can be a tricky process. You will need a fuel pump that connects to the gallon can. You will then need to hook a hose to the fuel line going to the carburetor. You can also use a fuel dot, a simple and cheap way to refuel your RC plane.
A fuel dot is a device that is installed in the fuel line between the carburetor and the fuel tank. It has an internal check valve that forces the fuel from the fuel pump into the fuel tank.
It is important to consider the location of the tank in relation to the plane's center of gravity (CG). The tank should be as close as possible to the CG point so that when full, it does not push the nose down excessively. It is also important to ensure that the tank is securely attached and will not shift during flight.
The amount of fuel your RC plane will need depends on various factors such as engine size, flight time, and flying style. It is recommended to look around at what tank capacity others are using for similarly sized engines and consider their flying style compared to yours. Harder flying will take more fuel than flying at a reduced throttle.
