Fuel system plumbing completion

19 Feb 2006 Fuel system plumbing completion

Finally – the fuel system plumbing is complete! I added the final parts of the fuel return system today.
Here’s the 1/2″ hole for the AN833-5D bulkhead fitting.

The hole from the inside of the cockpit.

Here’s the connection from the bulkhead fitting to the fuel pressure regulator. I tried to have the tube go between the engine mount tube and the firewall, but it’s just too tight.

Another shot of the same thing.

Here’s the tubing inside the cockpit. One of my goals was to have as little tubing and as few connections on the engine side of the firewall as possible. My reasoning is that if there is a leak in the engine compartment, it could quickly become a fire. Inside the cockpit, I will be able to smell the fuel quickly, and take action (get on the ground) before it turns into a fire. Just a tiny amount of fuel smells very strong. There should be fewer sources of fire inside the airplane.

Here you can see the connection to the left side of the cockpit, and the adel clamps used to stabilize everything. Even with the rudder pedals full forward, and full deflection of either side while applying the brakes, there is no interference with the fuel return line.