Protecting the Fuel Tank Vents - Revision history

WikiSysop at 14:31, 11 February 2008

2008-02-11T14:31:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:31, 11 February 2008
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	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	Mud daubers build their nests (and populate them with one paralyzed spider)		Mud daubers build their nests (and populate them with one paralyzed spider) within the first half inch or so of the opening. Use string-trimmer line and probe the first inch. If there's something there, you will break it up and it should fall out. To help, you could apply suction with a rubber bulb - or your mouth, if spiders and mud are your thing ;-) Then you can run the line the rest of the way until it encounters a sharp bend that stops it. I keep a foot of string-trimmer line in the plane for checking the vent and the scupper drain (important as well).
	within the first half inch or so of the opening. Use string-trimmer line and
	probe the first inch. If there's something there, you will break it up and
	it should fall out. To help, you could apply suction with a rubber bulb - or
	your mouth, if spiders and mud are your thing ;-) Then you can run the line
	the rest of the way until it encounters a sharp bend that stops it. I keep
	a foot of string-trimmer line in the plane for checking the vent and the
	scupper drain (important as well).
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

Jbowman90: Added recent GG reply from Larry Tatsch about checking for an existing blockage

2008-02-09T22:14:27Z

Added recent GG reply from Larry Tatsch about checking for an existing blockage

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 9 February 2008
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	For some aircraft, the pitot-static system is more critical than others, and the crash of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroper%C3%BA_Flight_603 Flight 603] is a recent example of this system operating incorrectly. But for Grummans, the real issue with mud daubers is the fuel tank vents. For AA-1s, the risk is that the engine will not be able to draw fuel from the spar. For AA-5s, this could happen, but the more usual case is that the inboard part of the wing will begin to collapse due to the decreasing pressure inside the fuel tank.		For some aircraft, the pitot-static system is more critical than others, and the crash of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroper%C3%BA_Flight_603 Flight 603] is a recent example of this system operating incorrectly. But for Grummans, the real issue with mud daubers is the fuel tank vents. For AA-1s, the risk is that the engine will not be able to draw fuel from the spar. For AA-5s, this could happen, but the more usual case is that the inboard part of the wing will begin to collapse due to the decreasing pressure inside the fuel tank.

			Before attempting to protect the vent tubes, you should verify the lack of an existing blockage. According to Larry Tatsch,

			<blockquote>
			Mud daubers build their nests (and populate them with one paralyzed spider)
			within the first half inch or so of the opening. Use string-trimmer line and
			probe the first inch. If there's something there, you will break it up and
			it should fall out. To help, you could apply suction with a rubber bulb - or
			your mouth, if spiders and mud are your thing ;-) Then you can run the line
			the rest of the way until it encounters a sharp bend that stops it. I keep
			a foot of string-trimmer line in the plane for checking the vent and the
			scupper drain (important as well).
			</blockquote>

	== Rain Bird Filters ==		== Rain Bird Filters ==

Jbowman90: Changed "correctly" to "incorrectly" for Flight 603 discussion

2008-01-27T23:22:53Z

Changed "correctly" to "incorrectly" for Flight 603 discussion

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 27 January 2008
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	The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber mud dauber] is a type of wasp that builds its nest using mud. The reason this is so critical for airplanes is that they like to build their nests in pitot tubes and fuel tank vents.		The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber mud dauber] is a type of wasp that builds its nest using mud. The reason this is so critical for airplanes is that they like to build their nests in pitot tubes and fuel tank vents.

	For some aircraft, the pitot-static system is more critical than others, and the crash of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroper%C3%BA_Flight_603 Flight 603] is a recent example of this system operating ~~correctly~~. But for Grummans, the real issue with mud daubers is the fuel tank vents. For AA-1s, the risk is that the engine will not be able to draw fuel from the spar. For AA-5s, this could happen, but the more usual case is that the inboard part of the wing will begin to collapse due to the decreasing pressure inside the fuel tank.		For some aircraft, the pitot-static system is more critical than others, and the crash of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroper%C3%BA_Flight_603 Flight 603] is a recent example of this system operating incorrectly. But for Grummans, the real issue with mud daubers is the fuel tank vents. For AA-1s, the risk is that the engine will not be able to draw fuel from the spar. For AA-5s, this could happen, but the more usual case is that the inboard part of the wing will begin to collapse due to the decreasing pressure inside the fuel tank.

	== Rain Bird Filters ==		== Rain Bird Filters ==

Jbowman90: Added link to Rain Bird page for the A21511

2008-01-27T23:17:24Z

Added link to Rain Bird page for the A21511

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:17, 27 January 2008
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	== Rain Bird Filters ==		== Rain Bird Filters ==

	To prevent this from happening, Rain Bird sprinkler filters can be installed in the fuel tank vents. The filters are fairly cheap and may be available at home improvement stores, by getting on the Grumman Gang and shouting out to Roscoe, searching for part number #107323 for the 1800 Series sprinkler heads (Rain Bird now lists A21511 ~~as this part number~~), or by calling the company Rainbird Parts 877-727-8772.		To prevent this from happening, Rain Bird sprinkler filters can be installed in the fuel tank vents. The filters are fairly cheap and may be available at home improvement stores, by getting on the Grumman Gang and shouting out to Roscoe, searching for part number #107323 for the 1800 Series sprinkler heads (Rain Bird now lists [http://store.rainbird.com/shoppingv5/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=586&cat=1800+Series A21511] for the 1800 Series. Are they equivalent?), or by calling the company Rainbird Parts 877-727-8772.

	However, Rain Bird filters can cause their own problems.		However, Rain Bird filters can cause their own problems.

Jbowman90: Noted that Rain Bird now lists A21511 as the filter for the 1800 series sprinkler heads

2008-01-27T23:14:54Z

Noted that Rain Bird now lists A21511 as the filter for the 1800 series sprinkler heads

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 27 January 2008
Line 13:		Line 13:
	== Rain Bird Filters ==		== Rain Bird Filters ==

	To prevent this from happening, Rain Bird sprinkler filters can be installed in the fuel tank vents. The filters are fairly cheap and may be available at home improvement stores, by getting on the Grumman Gang and shouting out to Roscoe, searching for part number #107323, or by calling the company Rainbird Parts 877-727-8772.		To prevent this from happening, Rain Bird sprinkler filters can be installed in the fuel tank vents. The filters are fairly cheap and may be available at home improvement stores, by getting on the Grumman Gang and shouting out to Roscoe, searching for part number #107323 for the 1800 Series sprinkler heads (Rain Bird now lists A21511 as this part number), or by calling the company Rainbird Parts 877-727-8772.

	However, Rain Bird filters can cause their own problems.		However, Rain Bird filters can cause their own problems.

Jbowman90: Added rain bird filter picture

2008-01-27T23:08:56Z

Added rain bird filter picture

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 27 January 2008
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	[[Image:436px-New_nest_3485.jpg\|thumb\|200 px\|Organ Pipe Mud Dauber Nest]]		[[Image:436px-New_nest_3485.jpg\|thumb\|200 px\|Organ Pipe Mud Dauber Nest]]

			[[Image:Rain Bird Part Number 107323.png\|thumb\|200 px\|Rain Bird Filter - Part Number 107323]]

	The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber mud dauber] is a type of wasp that builds its nest using mud. The reason this is so critical for airplanes is that they like to build their nests in pitot tubes and fuel tank vents.		The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber mud dauber] is a type of wasp that builds its nest using mud. The reason this is so critical for airplanes is that they like to build their nests in pitot tubes and fuel tank vents.

Jbowman90: Added images and quote from Larry Tatsch

2008-01-27T22:57:13Z

Added images and quote from Larry Tatsch

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:57, 27 January 2008
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	<br/>Jan Savage		<br/>Jan Savage
	<br/>Tiger 67B		<br/>Tiger 67B
			</blockquote>

			<blockquote>
			And don't forget my long-standing choice - large, plastic coated paper clips. Bend the center loop upward and insert - it will stay in place. To check for nests, just pull out and the loop will pull out any bugs with it. Can be left in place while flying. In 9 years, though, I've never had anything even try to make a nest.
			<br/>
			<br/>Larry Tatsch
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

Jbowman90: Created page

2008-01-27T22:47:08Z

Created page

New page

== Introduction ==

[[Image:Sceliphron_caementarium.jpg|thumb|200 px|Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium)]]

[[Image:436px-New_nest_3485.jpg|thumb|200 px|Organ Pipe Mud Dauber Nest]]

The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber mud dauber] is a type of wasp that builds its nest using mud. The reason this is so critical for airplanes is that they like to build their nests in pitot tubes and fuel tank vents.

For some aircraft, the pitot-static system is more critical than others, and the crash of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroper%C3%BA_Flight_603 Flight 603] is a recent example of this system operating correctly. But for Grummans, the real issue with mud daubers is the fuel tank vents. For AA-1s, the risk is that the engine will not be able to draw fuel from the spar. For AA-5s, this could happen, but the more usual case is that the inboard part of the wing will begin to collapse due to the decreasing pressure inside the fuel tank.

== Rain Bird Filters ==

To prevent this from happening, Rain Bird sprinkler filters can be installed in the fuel tank vents. The filters are fairly cheap and may be available at home improvement stores, by getting on the Grumman Gang and shouting out to Roscoe, searching for part number #107323, or by calling the company Rainbird Parts 877-727-8772.

However, Rain Bird filters can cause their own problems.

<blockquote>

We started using those a couple of years ago, and although I never had any problems personally, ONE of our Tigers suffered from fuel starvation as the tanks neared empty MOST OF THE TIME on descent. They couldn't figure out what his problem was, until those vent filters (Rainbirds) were removed... problem solved. He had plenty of fuel in the tanks, it just wouldn't feed.

The guess is that because the small end is sealed, if there isn't enough room for air to get in through the side holes (the only ones) in a PARTICULAR VENT, then it's possible to block vent air completely from getting into the tank.... and as the tank empties, there is no vent air left.
 
 Jan Savage
 Tiger 67B

</blockquote>

Some note that the correct method involves cutting the large end off and inserting that end into the vent tube. This makes it an "outie" rather than an "innie" and avoids this type of problem. Inserting the small end still leaves a possibility that stuff will crawl in there and clog up the filter.

<blockquote>
Rainbird lawn sprinklers have a filter screen shaped like a golf tee. Cut
off the bulge and insert the cut off end into the Fuel vent , this will
eliminate any problems with bugs blocking the vents. I have been using
these screens for years with no problems. Give it a try.
 
 Bob Dillon
</blockquote>

Rain Bird filters are not the official position of the AYA Safety Director.

== Other Methods ==

The official position of the AYA Safety Directory is

<blockquote>
BTW, while the Rainbird filters are fine, the official AYA Safety
Director-approved solution is a pipe cleaner (preferably red or other color
that contrasts with your wing underside color) bent into a _/\_ shape and
stuck pointy end first into the inlet. The pipe cleaners will not create a
problem if forgotten (enough air can get through to replace the fuel going
out), are easy to see on preflight, and are very cheap when purchased in
quantity. I've been known to hand them out to any and all at conventions in
areas of high mud dauber activity, like SSI four years ago.
 
 Ron Levy
</blockquote>

And there is a paper clip approach:

<blockquote>
I've gone back to using the paperclip method, ie: just bend a standard paper clip 90 degs, insert the larger end into the vent and let the smaller on hang out in the breeze. You can pull the paperclip on preflight to clean out/check for bug(gers) easily and reinsert. They don't cause any drag at all and are just about idiotproof.
 
 Jan Savage
 Tiger 67B
</blockquote>