Fuel pump usage

[Mayfield]

Both my aircraft use the Rotax 912 ULS.

The POH for my Gobosh only requires the electric fuel pump for takeoff and landing. The POH for my TAG implies the electric fuel pump is left on until after landing.

What do you folks do?

Jim

 

[Vance]

Good morning Jim.

I have had very little experience with the Rotax 912.

I like that it has a mechanical pump better than two electric pumps.

The POH for the MTO Sport I flew advised to turn on the second (electric) fuel pump on for takeoff and landing and switched off for flying.

I would follow the POH for your aircraft as they may know something that we don’t.

In my experience in flight reviews turning on and off the second fuel pump despite it being on the check list is the most commonly missed item on the check list during takeoff and approach.

In The Predator with her Lycoming IO-320 I don't turn on the boost pump (electric) unless the fuel pressure light comes on or the engine is acting badly.

 

[wolfy]

I used to leave mine on all day.

wolfy

 

[WaspAir]

In The Predator with her Lycoming IO-320 I don't turn on the boost pump (electric) unless the fuel pressure light comes on or the engine is acting badly.

My Bell 47 has gravity feed, plus a mechanical engine-driven pump, plus an electric pump, and a fuel pressure guage, and a warning light. The flight manual says the pump should be always on in any flight condition, and if you ever switch off the electric pump, the warning light comes on immediately even though the guage still shows significant pressure. All this feeds a Lycoming TVO-435, an engine that can be rather thirsty in high power demand situations with the turbocharger blowing hard at high altitude.

The cost of constantly running the electric pump is that I had to replace it after 4400 hours. Seems cheap enough to me.

I have no 912ULS experience so I can't contribute directly on that.

 

[wolfy]

I always left my facet electric pump on at all times, even before I had a mechanical pump failure on a new engine at 306hrs (warranty is 300hrs).

wolfy

 

[Acamacho]

Siempre puesta.

 

[Richard Randolph]

I always left my facet electric pump on at all times, even before I had a mechanical pump failure on a new engine at 306hrs (warranty is 300hrs).

wolfy

I am going to install an auxiliary fuel pump to my 912 ULS. Do you have any recommendations as to this installation process? I know Rotex suggest running it in parallel with a check valve but is this necessary? Also Facet does not recommend installing it in the engine compartment. Where is the best place to install it since I have an American Ranger – 1 gyro plane? Richard

 

[bell206]

Both my aircraft use the Rotax 912 ULS.

The POH for my Gobosh only requires the electric fuel pump for takeoff and landing. The POH for my TAG implies the electric fuel pump is left on until after landing.

What do you folks do?

Jim

I have a TAG with aftermarket turbo, it will start with pumps off but if I try to taxi with both fuel pumps off the engine will quit every time. Thats good enough for me, no further explanation needed. I make sure both are working before takeoff.

 

[GyrOZprey]

I fly a TAG with an Edge-modified 914 with FI & intercooler - the EP recommendation is both pumps for TO and climb - then turn one off.

My other (inventory- for sale) TAG with a SP modified turbo 912ULS (140hp) - both pumps run all the time. I forgot the second pump (off for taxi & hold short) - one time at a towered airport ...pretty busy with ATC! ...As I pushed to full power during climb-out - it stuttered , I reduced power & all was well- I did a quick panel scan & saw only one pump on- oops! punched on the breaker and pushed in the power - all was well!