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Thread: Nose Tanks PA15, 16 & 17

  1. #1

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    Default Nose Tanks PA15, 16 & 17

    Is there any difference internally between the header tank of a PA-15, PA-16, PA-17?

  2. #2
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fuel Tanks

    Joe, Yes they are all the same. I removed my 12 gallon nose tank in my Clipper and added a right wing tank. It is now in a Vagabond in the UK.

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Fuel Tanks

    Steve,
    How accurate is the fuel gauge on these header tanks? I made a dipstick for mine, but haven't run the tank down to empty, so don't know the bottom yet.
    Thanks - Paul

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    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fuel Tanks

    Mine was dead on. I miss that accuracy with wing tanks. I could comfortably fly my Clipper in the pattern with less than 5 gallons of gas. The gauge worked great and the glass shows the gas also.

  5. #5
    Gilbert Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fuel Tanks

    The nose tank in my Clipper and the nose tank in my Vag were both dead on. If they were 1/2 full it took 6 gallons. If is showed 1/4 full it took 9. Once you get to 1/4 full and below you should see the fuel level in fuel gage glass if the air is smooth.

  6. #6

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    I have a fuel gauge float in my PA-15 that won't float anymore. I did a search and this is the closest thread to the problem. It was working fine. I have been using non ethanol recreational gas I get at the marina. Today, I had to fill with avgas. Immediately, the float sank. Not sure if it is a coincidence, but bottom line is it needs a new float. I checked Univair's catalog with no luck. Any suggestions?

  7. #7
    Gilbert Pierce's Avatar
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    WAG AERO has a rebuild kit for $10.39. I used this to rebuild my Clipper nose tank and Vag tank.
    http://store.wagaero.com/product_inf...products_id=99

    Or you can go to the local hardware store-NOT Lowes or Home Cheapo but a real hardware store and buy a cork. Coat it with catalyzed polyurethane paint or varnish such as Poly Fiber Aerothane after you stick it on the float arm. I did that for the wing tank gage in the Clipper about 10 years ago. Still doing fine. The catalyzed polyurethane is impervious to fuel.
    Last edited by Gilbert Pierce; 10-23-2011 at 07:35 PM.

  8. #8
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    I have the tool to remove the gauge without twisting the rod up into the tank as well if you need it.

  9. #9

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    What a fast response. Thanks. Of course I don't want to twist the float arm. Is there such a technique to removing the float arm that a special tool is needed? What is the tool and what is the technique?
    On a further note, is it possible that the recreational gas dissolved the varnish? I found "crud" coming loose on the floor of the gas tank when I started using the recreational gas. It had almost filled the gascolator the first time I opened it for inspection.

  10. #10
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default

    Might be that the varnish just started deteriorating. The tool holds the center of the gauge while turning the bezel. I will see if I still have a new gauge in my stash and I could send you both the new gauge and tool, or you might just need a float and gasket.

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