Alternative Engines/Fuel System

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 10/11/1998 - 21:31

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From:	by way of Marvin Kaye <marvkaye [at] olsusa.com> <CavittP [at] aol.com>
Subject:	Alternative Engines/Fuel System
Date:	Sun, 11 Oct 1998 17:31:45 -0400
To:	<lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Am unaware of anyone operating a 2-place lancair (or any other type that comes to mind) with an "alternative" powerplant. There is no track record established for an automotive powerplant installation with sufficient history to make me believe that I'd be willing to use one in my plane. Stick with the tried and true. My personal experience and research has "proved" that the good ol' Lycoming is the only way to go. Sure. The idea of a constant temperature, liquid-cooled powerplant sounds good, but immagine a coolant leak... IFR... over the mountains... at night... Regarding fuel systems: In my L-235-320 I've got 54 gallons - 21 in each wing and 12 in the header. Using 3/8" lines for everything and a 3 position fuel selector (OFF-LEFT-RIGHT {off is off, left is for header and right is for wings}) from a Cherokee, and two transfer pumps, I'm able to get at all the fuel even if I have complete electrical failure. Most of the time I just transfer fuel from the wings to the header. Occasionally I will select directly from the wings just to keep the valve loose. If you're concerned about fuel imballance, check valves do a satisfactory job, however I've got a cross-flow valve between the wing tanks to prevent what could happen should a check valve fail while parked on an uneven ramp. The only improvement I could make to my fuel system would be an automatic fuel transfer system, which I intend to do - "someday." Pete Cavitt - N320PL 619-283-7473

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/12/1998 - 15:13

From:	by way of Marvin Kaye <marvkaye [at] olsusa.com> <ReganRanch [at] aol.com>
Subject:	Alternative Engines/Fuel System
Date:	Mon, 12 Oct 1998 11:13:39 -0400
To:	<lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Pete Cavitt writes: << Am unaware of anyone operating a 2-place lancair (or any other type that comes to mind) with an "alternative" powerplant. There is no track record established for an automotive powerplant installation with sufficient history to make me believe that I'd be willing to use one in my plane.>> There are quite a few if you look around. I have a jpg of a Mazda 13B rotary engine flying in a 360, or I guess that would make it a 79.3;) <<Stick with the tried and true. >> You fly a Cessna then? Regards Brent