Poly "Pony Tank" -- Anyone used this one?

[jcarleto]

I've been looking for options for something other than a seat tank. This one looks interesting. Anyone have any experience with it or one like it?

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C26%2D201%2D110

[DennisFetters]

Jon,

The only thing I don't like so much about that tank is the length. If would affect CG a good deal with the fuel running from one end to the other.

Take a look at the tank offered by Northern Tool. It's one of the best I've seen.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_11346_11346

[jcarleto]

Dennis,

Not bad, and yes, I have considered the fuel movement issue. I like the fact that the Northern Tool offering seems as though it might also work mounted vertically. I have considered a vertical mount.

*JC*

[John Stahl]

Jon
with the number of deaths that gyros are having from fire after a crash you should look at something like this.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D290101&N=700+115&autoview=sku

[jcarleto]

John,

I like the foam idea, but I think the shape is going to give me trouble. Ultimately, I am replacing a 12 gallon seat tank, while still trying to avoid a fuel "sidecar." I may end up looking back at seat tanks to avoid a balance or "getting in the way of something else" problem.

*JC*

[Timchick]

What about the aluminum tanks?

[scottessex]

Best deal is right here...http://www.coyote-gear.com/

[GyroRon]

I wonder how much that racing tank weights?

[Ron E]

John,

If you don't see a size to fit your application, this fellow will make you a tank any size you want and put the fill and fittings where you want them. He will even put the fill on the end of the tank so you can mount it vertically on your mast. Great guy, good prices. Aluminum fuel tanks:

http://www.dansperformanceparts.com/buggy/fuel/buggyfuel1.htm

[DennisFetters]

I wonder how much that racing tank weights?

Don't worry. For $300 bucks, it will even out from the weight you'll loose in your wallet.

[John Stahl]

sounds like a good insurance to me

[Ron E]

Jon
with the number of deaths that gyros are having from fire after a crash you should look at something like this.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D290101&N=700+115&autoview=sku

Those Summit racing tanks are priced much lower than I expected. It would be a good way to go if they are not too heavy. I couldn't find a weight published.

Also, I noticed that the fuel cell safety foam can be purchased separately and added to any fuel tank, to make your exiting fuel tank safer !

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+115+%2D118218&D=%2D118218

[ezeddie]

Jon
with the number of deaths that gyros are having from fire after a crash you should look at something like this.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D290101&N=700+115&autoview=sku

I have used Summits RCI tanks in circle track cars for years. The foam is messy to clean up if it ruptures, I'm told, but I never had one split and I spent a lot of time "in the wall".
eddie.........:boom:

[GyroRon]

Don't worry. For $300 bucks, it will even out from the weight you'll loose in your wallet.

Maybe I saw the wrong thing Dennis, but it looked like that tank was only 99 bucks on that link. That ain't bad in my opinion

[jcarleto]

I wonder how much fuel volume you lose adding the foam. I like the idea, but the Summit tanks don't work for me on due to their size and shape. It might not be a bad idea to install the foam in an alternative tank, but it has to have some volume impact.

[Racer]

I have used the fuel foam for years. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/m/58_Race-Car-Fuel-Cells-Foam-Check-Valve-Tip-Valve.html The volume impact is next to nothing, so Small an impact I doubt you could even measure it. Yes you can buy it in bricks and shove it in anything you want, it is very flexible so you can shove them down through gas cap hole. One warning though, It does break down after while and start going through your fuel system so be sure to put good fuel filter in your line before your fuel pump and you will be fine.

[John Stahl]

Jon
There are more than one style of tank offered by Summit. I just picked the one that kept me in the 103 regs.

[jcarleto]

John,

I saw several. Unfortunately, I think I am going to be restricted to a cylinder type due to space and weight & balance constraints.

*JC*

[John Stahl]

The 5 Gal weight is 7 lbs

[jcarleto]

John,

I'm building a 2 place, so it is more balance than weight. My target is 12+ gallons.

*JC*

[DennisFetters]

Maybe I saw the wrong thing Dennis, but it looked like that tank was only 99 bucks on that link. That ain't bad in my opinion

Ron, I was referring to the spun aluminum racing tanks, not the plastic ones. Very nice, and probably the safest against fuel lose in a crash.

Everyone else, I know with the latest instances people become focused on one thing. It has always been like that over the years. The fact is that it is a rarity in gyros for them to catch fire in a crash. Some prevention is one thing, but don't loose sight on the primary concern.

Weight in a gyro is the first concern of design. Structure to be strong enough is the second, flight characteristics is the third and crash protection is the forth. There are more that follow...

The first 3 concerns helps prevent the forth.

[Dr. Gyro]

I learned of a gyrocopter crashing and burning in 1991 here in SC. I went to the town and met the family and friends and asked a lot of questions concerning the pilot, the gyro and the crash. It all came down to this: He was a very low time student, He already crashed his gryo another time prior to his last flight and he also had a crack develope in the KB seat tank which he repaired with Hot melt glue!!!!!! On his last flight , the next one (which was a very windy day) He took off, then he nosed in from 15 feet at which time the tank "Opened Up" and ignited the aircraft. The man would probably have survived the crash had it not caught fire. He passed on three hours after the incident.

[Joe Pires]

This link is a wonderful resource.

[rsbiser]

This link is a wonderful resource.

Joe,

What link?

[Joe Pires]

I suppose i meant thread. This thread has just about everything you ever wanted to know about aux tanks.

[giro5]

I know a gyro pilot in Oregon that has two 2.5 gallon al tanks, one on each side of the keel under the seat but I have no idea where he got them.

[donshoebridge]

The 2.5 gallon tanks can be found at any hardware store. If they're anything like what I have, they are mainly used for mixing 2-stoke for your weed wacker. I've also seen someone use two 5 gallon versions on a gyro. It makes refilling a lot easier in the event you have to walk for gas.