Change of fuel valve.

Rob Swain · Post by **Rob Swain** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 3:25 pm

I have a horrible (a.k.a. expensive) idea that I know the answer to this question, but I'll ask it anyway.

Is swapping a fuel valve from the rather stiff and nasty one supplied by Van's to a nice, new, Andair one classed as a modification?
I would have thought it is just a service replacement, but it seems to turn up as a mod when one reads around.

Rob Swain · Post by **Rob Swain** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 5:04 pm

Just been nosing around and found TL 3.10:
http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co. ... quired.pdf

This leads me to believe that I shouldn't need a mod approval because it comes under "Standard Aircraft Practice" because it includes "The use of components intended for aircraft use".

Or am I only reading what suits me?

Mark A · Post by **Mark A** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:54 pm

With the exception of strobes and autopilots requiring individual approval, the LAA accepts items in the Van's catalogue as approved for installation.

The TADS specifically refers to the 2004 edition, but the Andair valve is listed so it should be fine on inspector approval only.

You can find that edition of the catalogue on Ian Corse's site at http://www.rvuk.co.uk/rvuk/links.htm and search part 2.

You're in for some fun tube bending and flaring. Make sure you have plenty of spare Ali fuel line.

Rob Swain · Post by **Rob Swain** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:28 am

Thanks for that, Mark.

I quite enjoy playing with the ol' pipe cutter, bender and flaring tools.
It's one of the reasons changing the valve for a different type altogether doesn't bother me. I'm quite looking forward to having pipes that are neat and straight as much as having a fuel tap you don't need to be Arnie to turn. The current pipes are very wiggly and uneven; they look like they were done in a hurry, and without the benefit of a pipe bender.

The thing I'm least looking forward to is having to drain the fuel tanks first, and all that messing about with jerry cans and funnels etc. I'm going to fly off as much as is safe first!
Oh well - it will provide an opportunity to change the fuel drains too. I've had new ones to replace the scabby ones on the tanks for a couple of years but haven't got around to fitting them for that reason.

Mark A · Post by **Mark A** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 10:12 pm

It's actually in TL3.08:

TL 3.08
Issue 5
1 Jan 2008
MANUFACTURER’S OPTIONS FOR THE VAN’S KITPLANES
Page 1 of 2
With the exception of mods/parts listed below, optional equipment listed in the 2004 Van’s
accessories catalogue can be considered approved by LAA Engineering, provided it is installed
per Van’s instructions and is fitted to an aircraft type for which the mod was intended. This
would need to be confirmed by a LAA inspector.

I use the standard Van's valve which still moves freely and clicks nicely into the indents, though I have had experience of less cooperative ones.
I believe the trick is to disassemble every couple of years and use the very expensive fuel valve grease when re-assembling. Having said that, Andy Phillips does a great set of products and I don't blame you for going that way.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 7:49 am

Not wishing to be a party pooper Rob but you will need to do this in association with your LAA Inspector and have it signed off. No doubt a fuel flow check will also have to be carried out as part of the inspection requirement. Sure you know that but best to mention it for others reading the site who maybe are less conversant with LAA procedures.

Alan George · Post by **Alan George** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:41 am

Hi Rob,

On our RV-4 and many other RVs Andair fuel components are used exclusively. As said above, in the Van's catalogue and fitted on our Inspector's approval.

Regards, Alan.

Rob Swain · Post by **Rob Swain** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 11:37 am

Brian.
I think I haven't made things quite clear: it was just the need for a mod approval I was querying. I fully appreciate that this change would need to be done in consultation with my inspector. I'll be doing the change as a permit renewal time job so as not to have to drag Pete, my inspector, out more than is absolutely necessary.
I mainly wanted to have the answers and references in advance to save myself and Pete time when it comes to doing the job.
You make a good point about a fuel flow check probably being necessary: I was already expecting this but it is a point worth making, especially considering some postings elsewhere on the forum and reports that have appeared in the magazine in the past.

Mark.
Your valve has indents? My current one doesn't, not even a hint of one, but then again my RV is quite an early one!
As regards the aggro of stripping and regreasing the valve every couple of years I don't think I could be bothered with keep having to drain the tanks and remove the valve from the airframe, let alone stripping / cleaning / greasing it etc. Then there is the stress associated with hoping the valve itself and all the connections are fuel tight every time it is all put back together. I'll do the job once and be done with it!
A valve in need of quite such regular maintenance (probably less than 500 operations between services!) does smack of not being fit for purpose. If there was any doubt about going for a Dan Dare valve you've just dispelled it!