A & E

Before there were AMT's (Aircraft Maintenance Technicians) and before there were A&P's (Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics) the Aeronautical world of Aviators relied on their trusted friend, called the A & E (Airplane and Engine) mechanic.  With a copy of"Brim and Boggess" Instruction Manual under one arm and a load of common sense and engineering judgment under the other... the A&E mechanics could solve nearly any adversity in keeping the old airplanes flying.  

This page includes some old-school technical information.  We don't claim to have all the answers here.  Instead, we lay out some photos and some dialog in the hope that some of you sharp technical folk will send us your tips and share your keen old airplane knowledge.

Fuel System Odds & Ends

Check out this webpage for spares support for old Ford Model A style fuel gauges as used in many old airplanes.... http://www.mikes-afordable.com/page/MFP/CTGY/1067

Type E-1 Fuel Selector Overhaul
The following comes via a Curtiss Robin mechanic from across the big pond in Great Britian.  Here's the dialog.  We welcome input from other restorers...  

-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Scott
To: barnstmr@aol.com
Sent: Tue, Sep 14, 2010 2:46 am
Subject: Re: Curtiss Robin N348K

Hi Terry, Andair have the selector at the moment and they are assessing the best solution.... I ordered and have received the tools for the removal of the fuel indicator re: Ford A parts. thanks for that source.  Have not removed the system yet but we have the tools for the job at least.

Regards,Greg 

   

-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Scott <gregory.scott1@virgin.net>
To: barnstmr@aol.com
Sent: Mon, Aug 16, 2010 3:39 pm
Subject: Re: Curtiss Robin N348K

Hi Terry, You are a Star! ....Thank you so much for the help with the link and advice on the selector.  Our set up has the Type E-1  selector as described earlier which switches Left -Right- Both and Off. Tee'd off the pipe from this selector to Carburettor is another On - Off selector for an Auxiliary Tank above the cabin. 

    I am going to take the E-1 to Any at Andair tomorrow, he thinks he may be able to make a Teflon replacement for the Cork.  If that is the case do we need to seek FAA engineering approval, my guess is yes so your DER status would be helpful.  I don't quite know how we can recompense you for your help and enthusiasm but we shall have think of something.

Regards,Greg

 ----- Original Message -----

From: Terry Bowden (barnstmr@aol.com)

To: gregory.scott1@virgin.net

Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 7:27 PM

Subject: Re: Curtiss Robin N348K

Hi Greg, The fuel tank gauge is a modified version of the same gauge used in a 1929 Ford Model A automobile.  Here is a link to a website making after-market parts.  They also have the tools to install and remove them.

http://www.mikes-afordable.com/page/MFP/CTGY/1067

I have nothing on the E-1 fuel selector.  Our Robin has one simple ball valve in the LH fuel line and another in the RH fuel line.  Both lines tee together at the gascolator.  You can operate with either opened or both opened.  If you decide to convert to this type of setup, I urge you to use ball valve from apollo (available online) and be sure not to use one too restrictive. The inside diameter should be at least 7/16 inch.  Also be sure to choose the type with Teflon seals. On the other hand, if you are working with Andair, I am sure they will have a quality product to address your needs.  I have worked with their valves on several other projects.  Either way, let me know if you need FAA-engineering approval and I can help you with that too as I am a DER authorized by FAA with approval authority.

Regards,Terry

-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Scott <gregory.scott1@virgin.net>
To: barnstmr@aol.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 15, 2010 9:29 am
Subject: Curtiss Robin N348K

Hi Terry, Another cry for help from the U.K...!   I put a few Litres of fuel into the right tank of the Curtiss to flush the tank and fuel lines. No surprise to find fuel leaking from the tank drain but unexpectedly also from what appears to be a fuel indicator under the wing.

The drain was easily fixed but the indicator is a problem!  It has an outer threaded ring that appears to be how it is retained in the tank.  I undid this ring and applied some sealant and replaced it but alas still leaks.  I then removed the threaded ring again and tried to discover how one can actually service this indicator but could not find out how it is removed from the tank? Advice on this device would be a great help.  Further problems I encountered were a dried out, and now leaking Primer Pump , but managed solve this with some new "O" rings.  The pump leaking was not a problem in itself, it was a problem because the Fuel Selector could not shut off the fuel feed no matter what position was selected. Another dis-assembly job and found this leaking was due to the Cork Lining of the selector disintegrating!  The selector is marked only with: "Type   E - 1" no manufacturer's name etc. Again any advice on a replacement source would be a great help.  In the meantime I have contacted a friend of mine Andy Phillips of "ANDAIR" a company manufacturing fuel aircraft fuel supply components, to see if he can machine a modern replacement of the cork part of the selector.  I will attach a picture of the valve you might like to see. Thanks for any advice you may have the time to offer, I am determined to get this Bird to at least an engine start soon.

Regards,

Greg