Hi Ed;
     To answer your question: The fuel filter I used is
actually a "conglamorated" motorcycle oil filter, ram
air fed, out of a Harley (recommended and prepared for
me by a BIG motorcycle user/expert). For my next
aircraft (Mazda powered of course) I plan on educating
myself on the more efficient latest technology which is
now available from Suzuki, Honda, Harley etc. For an
example as to what's out there: Check out..........
http://aeroilcool.com/aerpage2.htm

Is it overkill and expensive?, most likely but don't
know for sure, that's why I'm VERY INTERESTED in you
documenting temperatures (fuel & ambient), running time
and flow if possible, on your system.
I believe all of us will benefit from this. After all a
little more knowledge is one step closer to our goal.

                                 Thank You
                                 Butch Diaz Sr.

Hi Butch,

Certainly interesting technology and almost as expensive as aircraft parts
{:>).  In my estimation probably a little overkill for cooling fuel, but
hey, if it does the job and is light and reliable  then why not.

I would imagine a very small oil cooler located where cool air flowed would
more than do the job of keeping the fuel cool.  I agree with the comments
from Jeff and others about the potential vapor lock hazard of my set up if
you don't take steps to remove the heat from the returning fuel.  I have not
set on the ground fully cowed up on a 90F + day for 30-45 minutes with the
engine running. Actually, I would probably pass out from the heat before
than much time passed {:>).
But, perhaps under those conditions (long taxi and holding),  as Jeff
suggested, would lead to a vapor lock.

My 3 x 8 x 1 1/2 header tank holds approx 0.156 gallons of fuel.  If I
wanted to ensure take off on cool fuel I would like to run out the hot fuel
(or most of it before takeoff).   If I ran the engine at 5000 rpm it would
take approx  1 1/2 minutes to use up the initial fuel in the header tank
pulling in cooler fuel from the wing tanks during which time the air from
the prop is  blasting through the 2" dia air duct cooling the header tank
and fuel pumps.  Additionally, the six psi fuel pressure from the boost pump
should also help.

In any case, I hope to get the new engine in the aircraft within the next
couple of weeks and I'll try to get you those fuel temp measurement
correlated to engine rpm, run time and ambient temperature.

Best Regards

Ed Anderson
Matthews NC

 
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