Seat tank finger fuel strainers

[Rowdyflyer1903!]

The fuel line fittings which are on my seat tank are very small 1/4” NPT. Aircraft Spruce and Specialty does not carry a finger strainer smaller than 3/8”. What has been done to fit finger strainers in the seat tanks? It is prudent to install strainers in the actual fuel tank, followed by a gascolator then a final filter. This tank has dual outlets due to the seat mounting design. The fitting is brass and I do not know if there is enough meat to retap the threads to a size larger. Any advice? These seats, 11 gallon I believe, are common. What is your advice?

Bill Crawford

 

[Abid]

Brass barbed Fuel Finger Strainer AN785 Aircraft Surplus 1/8 npt pipe military | eBay

Brass Fuel Finger Strainer AN785 Aircraft Surplus.

www.ebay.com

Buy them and install them. 1/4 NPT finger strainers are not common but I put in a google search and this was one of the top hits

 

[Rowdyflyer1903!]

You frequently offer valid solutions. I appreciate and value your input. Thank you.

 

[GyroChuck]

My advice do not use a finger strainer. Once installed you can not see if it is clogged up. Use a clear in line fuel filter instead.

Had a clogged finger strainer put me on the ground.

 

[Rowdyflyer1903!]

I found non barbed strainers 1/8 at Wicks new for a similar price. I am using 3003 aluminum tubing, which by the way is driving me crazy, and I wanted to be consistent. But hey, this is one of the reasons you use as an excuse to start a project for the experience and to learn. I have always been told by academics that an student which successfully graduates with an aeronautical engineering degree is sought after and can fit in a variety of industry. This is due to the fact they are introduced to many other engineering disciplines. Thanks again, I should have researched a bit more before asking for advice.

 

[Rowdyflyer1903!]

My advice do not use a finger strainer. Once installed you can not see if it is clogged up. Use a clear in line fuel filter instead.

Had a clogged finger strainer put me on the ground.

I can see that would be an issue. What was the gunk? How durable is the in-line clear strainer vs the metal ones which can be removed and back washed and reusable. Your point of having a method of visually checking Is very valid. I had always trusted if you made the Gascolator Pee, you were good to go but that is not necessarily fool proof. I hope you didn’t bend anything on your forced landing.

 

[GyroChuck]

The stuff was extremely small and lint like. Uneventful landing. I was on final for the runway so I got lucky.

I think your idea for a metal filter is good. They don't cost that much so for me I would replace it annually.