matt walsh

Dear Skip, I really appreciate your comments and updates; thanks for sharing your knowledge and works. I agree an aluminium or copper inlet tube would be more durable and reliable than poly tube, I expect the increased weight shouldn't be a limiting factor. I was reading more about in- tank fuel pumps used in cars and this ump variety seems an option also. This pump could be mounted on end of a stiff tube (ie aluminium/copper) and then tube inserted into jerry can, passing through cap to steady/align tube to container bottom. This arrangement would be a neat tidy compact device, not unlike the plastic siphon pumps advertised on Ebay. I read enough about submersed fuel pumps to accept its safe practice. Regarding hanging a bladder for the low wing tanks, could you make a 3 legged tripod and hang bladder in center whilst it refuels to wing tank? Relatively thin rod/tube could be used for the tripod. Regarding length of wiring in my set up, I agree its lengthy and I would shorten significantly in a further iteration. I might have some more plays, although the simple Tuff jugs filling devices work well enough for me. Again thanks for sharing. Cheers Matt

Hiya Skippy Diesel and others, I've read with great interest, the numerous posts after I wrote on 16 July about my refueling practices. I like your set up as pictured above and it appears very portable and stowable. Will the poly pipe deteriorate/dissolve, contaminate the fuel and be a significant impurity??. I guess the fuel filter will address this issue. Your thoughts please. I finally trialed my home base refueling set up as per photos below. Its very similar to your arrangement and uses a AeroFlow AF49-1008 12v aftermarket fuel pump. The other components are car shop sourced and scrounged from other pumps. Time for transferring about 18 liters from jerrys to the Savannah's wing tank was about 2 mins. I could refine the set up including hoses into all 3 jerrys for a 60 liter filling station etc. My initial response was that " Its all a'bit fiddly and not much quicker" than manual filling from start to finish. I use the 10 litre tuff jugs (I prefer the O'Neil brand as the 2 side handle allow easy hoisting and steadying whilst the jug empties). These jugs empty in about 30 seconds. Sure you have to refill say 5 to 6 times but its quick and enables filtering using Mr Funnel. This is fine for home base refueling. I use the 10 liter jugs as I can lift them and insert into the wing tank single handed. There is a 20 litre size of tuff jug but reckon lifting and holding this larger jug would less convenient/enjoyable When away from base, you could take a tuff jug and Collapsible Bladders (CB) when the airfield hasn't a fuel supply. I don't use CB's as I fly solo and plenty space for rigid 20L containers or travel via airfields where Avgas is available). Your system is compact though and easy to rig. You could hang the CB from the tie down point on the wing underside (or some other nearby point) and secure the filling tube end into the wing tank so nothing needs holding. Anyways its been a very interesting topic to discuss and I appreciate the wisdom and experiences of others, Regards Matt Walsh, Savannah 4295,

Hi Alf, Thanks for the trip details and excellent photo collection. I am planning to a trip to Alice to visit friends and inquire details of your landing and holding arrangements whilst your toured around Alice. Thanks Matt

Dear Alf Col and DownUnder. Thanks for intel on landing options near AS. I'll check Bond Springs as Ularu will costs significantly as I'm staying in AS for 7 days. Security of leaving plane at BS might be an issue. Could try landing at AS and bluff thru administrative issues?? Cheers Matt

Thanks APM , great suggestion and convenient for recharging and handling. The pump isn't working for very long so wouldn't estimate large current drain. But its 12v pump so will a 14-18V battery pack be too greater potential and risk damage to pump motor?? Cheers Matt

Hi Skip, Thanks for your comments on battery size and nozzle implications. I was planning to fit a petrol bowser type nozzle so am relieved I got your Intel regarding potential pump seal damage with sudden pump stoppage. I now understand the purpose of your "switch on a lead". I considered the nozzle to prevent spillage when removing the hose end from the wing tank. I could fit a simple in- line tap which I switch closed AFTER pump ceases and stops flow. This avoid me having to handle the hose carefully as the remaining fuel in the hose will be prevented from discharging. Your thoughts???? Can you discharge petrol through copper pipe?? I can bend a goose neck end for the fuel hose to insert and hook in the wing tank, I bought a S/H AeroFlow AF49-1008 pump, its the red series pump. Regarding the switch on a lead, I am a mite concerned about operating a switch within 1-1.5 metre of the filler tank and query whether the switch would be a potential source of ignition. Your thoughts? I could fully encase the switch in resin?? Comment on battery size noted and I may investigate a 12V size. Thanks again for your input and wise advise. Regards Matt Walsh

Hi Alf, You sound like you are enroute to Alice Springs. I am planning a trip to AS in mid August 18 and would appreciate any advice on landing options. I would leave my plane for a week whilst visiting friends in town. Also is an ASIC card required, Thanks Matt Walsh

Hi DSAM, You raise an interesting point which I am not skilled enough to answer, however the decanting from 20 liter to10 liter container through Mr Funnel is no different to pouring from 20 liter container into Mr Funnel into wing tank. I suggest my current procedure enable the decanting to be undertaken in a sheltered position. Fueling into wing tank from "fast Fill" style jugs does not expose fuel to air as the nozzle is hard into the tank filler hole. The decanting is required to pass the fuel through the Mr Funnel. I have pondered about omitting the filtering and just filling the 10 liter FF containers directly from bowser nozzle, this would result in even less exposure.I dont know about the losses but think there are many unknowns including the actual octane of fuel dispensed from bowser, the condition of your engine, head winds etc. I just wouldn't be able to tell and it would stretch my thinking too much. Im a bit of a "If it starts, it starts" kinda guy. This might be all superseded by having a crack at SkippyDiesel's 12V electric pump system. I buying a pump off Gumtree tomorrow and have sketched up a light trolley holding three 20 liter containers which I'll connect with fuel hose into the pump powered by a sealed 12V motorcycle battery. I'll fit a manual operated nozzle (buy of Ebay) to discharge hose. May put wheels on the trolley to allow maneuvering to each wing and probably can buy a little trolley from OfficeWorks. Anyway thanks for your input. Regards Matt

Hi SD, I had a smile seeing your apparatus and reminded me of the scene in the fantastic movie Apollo 13 when the earth team have to manufacture a adapter to fit square carbon dioxide filter scrubbers to fit a round hole and with only a box full of stuff!!!! Applaud your creativeness!! Looks something that Beaker at the Muppet Laboratories would come up with ha ha

Dear Down Under, The wobbling funnel tendency did piss me right off and had I stuck with that system, I would have made some cone type spacer to sit tightly in the filler hole and allow the container spout to sit also, whilst have breather holes to allow tank to fill. But now no issue with the fast fill containers. I agree that less canisters less clutter and better packing but I find the 10 liter size so easy to elevate and insert into the filler hole. I can do it one handed. I haven't tried the 20 liter version and it might be just as controllable, all be it heavier. At this stage its the 10 litrer size that does it for me. I reckon you wont be disappointed either size and its just so much easier than previous method. Its really set and forget and you CANT overfill so dont have to look whilst container empties. One small issue to ensure is that the fast fill spout is just tilted slightly in the tank filler hole to create an air gap for escaping air from tank and fuel enters and displaces air. Its a little fiddly and again the spacer mentioned above would solve that issue. I may have a crack at SkippyDiesel's fuel pump arrangement, and I estimate a build cost under $150. I bought my FF containers from MXstore online and 2-3 delivery time to my inner northern Melbourne suburb. Anyway best for your filling fun. Cheers Matt

Hiya, Skippydiesel ( much rather use proper names but don't know yours so its a kanga type intro) Thanks for explaining your set up in good detail. I'd really appreciate some photos and brand of pump and where you bought it. Your set up sounds fine and practical. My only comment would be that you have to eyeball fuel level in tank to enable switch off before overflow. use of inline filter smart and save refiltering. After all fuel must be reasonably particle free from fuel stations since its going into cars. I assume the switch is a completely sealed unit to gaurentee no chance of being an ignition source for vapours from tank during filling and eye balling tank levels. Is this a special type of switch or did you expoxy or silicon encase. Reply to my personal email, [email protected] if you prefer some privacy. Thanks again Skip.

Hi all, My comments are sort of related to this topic, ie the word "fuel" is common to both threads!!. I just posted comments on another thread regarding refueling set ups and I repeat here, especially for Kaz from Shepparton in Victoria. BTY Kaz, we have a mutual friend in Keryn Negri, CEO of VCAT who met you at a training course or function with Justice/Courts. Keryn discovered you were a pilot with an Auster and conveyed to me. I haven't met you yet but have read your forum entries. Evening all, ah refueling options a subject dear to my heart!! I fly a Savannah (ex Roger Weston's from Caboolture QLD and a ripper girl). Previously flew a Gazelle and so was used to refueling high wing tanks, ie Mr funnel filter sitting in tank filler hole, standing on ladders, chairs, hoisting and controlling flow from 20 litre plastic containers into Mr Filter. A pain and physically tiring yes?? And when Mr Funnel filter wobbled around because funnel neck and filler hole are different diameters and caused spills, annoying yes??? So, I investigated options. Desirably a easy set up 12V electric pump and just poke discharge hose into wing tank, other end in 20L fuel jerry, 12V lead into aux socket in plane and life of ease. But any gasoline approved pump ie FillRite etc cost $400 plus. Lots of dinky water and diesel transfer pumps on Ebay but nil gasoline safe ones. Tried a rotary hand pump, Alimat, bought s/h and ok but bit cumbersome, lots of hose to handle, keep your plastic jerry stable etc. I reckon these pumps are best for 205L drum refuelling setups. Tried the compressed air into jerry. I fitted a valve stem cut off a bike tube, drilled hole in yellow cap and nut on stem with rubber washer seals either side of stem nuts. Fitted on one cap and fitted a tap arrangement using brass fittings onto the other cap. I used a hand pump as source of compressed air and it sort of worked but needed refinement to keep everything stable whilst I pressured the jerry, discharge pipe to wing tanks etc. Good in theory but I just wasn’t in the mood. My simple set up used 2 caps ie one fuel discharge/outlet and one for compressed air intake. Not sure how you would convert a bladder bag as I thought these bladders have only one cap. Then being an ex enduro motorbike racer, led me to motorcycle racing options. I'm happy with setup below, I am amusing "Fast Fill" plastic containers and check them on www.mxstore.com.au. I have two makes with differing handle configurations. "Tough Jug" brand ripper cap plastic containers. 20L $90 and 10 L$70. "O'Neal" Fast Fill jug.20L $70 and 10L $50. These work by simply pressing the nozzle down into the filler hole that slides back on an internal shaft and opens an orifice at the tip and fuel flows into tank. Fuel stops when fuel level covers end of cap so you can’t overfill. Just lift fuel can up, fuel cap seals immediately and absolutely no leaks, spills. Whilst slightly slower, I am using 10 Litre capacity cans. I can lift them and place the nozzle into the wing tank filler hole whilst standing on the ground and doing it one handed. I couldn't do this with 20 L canisters so that’s why smaller /slower 10L are my choice. Of the two brands, I find the 2 handle O'Neil cans easier to use and lift up and direct into tank filler. The Tuff Jug is ok but has only 1 handle and not as easy to move spatially. So how is the fuel filtered you ask?? I buy 95 MOGAS at reputable high-volume stations in 20 Litres plastic containers. I then fill the 10 Litre fast fills through large size Mr funnel filter from the 20L containers on the ground away from plane. I then fill wing tanks using the 10L fast fills. The fast fills stand stable so Mr Funnel sits into the filler hole without wobbles. Being well away from my plane lessens risks from possible ignition from static charge as fuel vortexes in funnel. But of course, I use a static earth on funnel to address this risk. I acknowledge the fast fills don’t roll up as compact as the bladder bags but 10/10 for ease of use. I'm never that pushed for space in Savvy and if I had to walk fuel from a distance then fast fill cans are much ergonomically and comfortable handle than a bladder bag. So that's my take on the process. I'll take a smart phone video of me doing the fill next time flying and post here just to illustrate, after all plenty of muppets making YouTubes about any crap so I should be qualified and an equal amongst them! Happy to discuss further, email me on [email protected] and we can exchange contact numbers and talk at length. Happy Refueling and may your sparks be never................. Cheers Matt Walsh, PIC, Savanah 4295

Evening all, ah refueling options a subject dear to my heart!! I fly a Savannah (ex Roger Weston's from Caboolture QLD and a ripper girl). Previously flew a Gazelle and so was used to refueling high wing tanks, ie Mr funnel filter sitting in tank filler hole, standing on ladders, chairs, hoisting and controlling flow from 20 liter plastic containers into Mr Filter. A pain and physically tiring yes?? And when Mr Funnel filter wobbled around because funnel neck and filler hole are different diameters and caused spills, annoying yes??? So, I investigated options. Desirably a easy set up 12V electric pump and just poke discharge hose into wing tank, other end in 20L fuel jerry, 12V lead into aux socket in plane and life of ease. But any gasoline approved pump ie FillRite etc cost $400 plus. Lots of dinky water and diesel transfer pumps on Ebay but nil gasoline safe ones. Tried a rotary hand pump, Alimat, bought s/h and ok but bit cumbersome, lots of hose to handle, keep your plastic jerry stable etc. I reckon these pumps are best for 205L drum refuelling setups. Tried the compressed air into jerry. I fitted a valve stem cut off a bike tube, drilled hole in yellow cap and nut on stem with rubber washer seals either side of stem nuts. Fitted on one cap and fitted a tap arrangement using brass fittings onto the other cap. I used a hand pump as source of compressed air and it sort of worked but needed refinement to keep everything stable whilst I pressured the jerry, discharge pipe to wing tanks etc. Good in theory but I just wasn’t in the mood. My simple set up used 2 caps ie one fuel discharge/outlet and one for compressed air intake. Not sure how you would convert a bladder bag as I thought these bladders have only one cap. Then being an ex enduro motorbike racer, led me to motorcycle racing options. I'm happy with setup below, I am amusing "Fast Fill" plastic containers and check them on www.mxstore.com.au. I have two makes with differing handle configurations. "Tough Jug" brand ripper cap plastic containers. 20L $90 and 10 L$70. "O'Neal" Fast Fill jug. 20L $70 and 10L $50. These work by simply pressing the nozzle down into the filler hole that slides back on an internal shaft and opens an orifice at the tip and fuel flows into tank. Fuel stops when fuel level covers end of cap so you can’t overfill. Just lift fuel can up, fuel cap seals immediately and absolutely no leaks, spills. Whilst slightly slower, I am using 10 Litre capacity cans. I can lift them and place the nozzle into the wing tank filler hole whilst standing on the ground and doing it one handed. I couldn't do this with 20 L canisters so that’s why smaller /slower 10L are my choice. Of the two brands, I find the 2 handle O'Neil cans easier to use and lift up and direct into tank filler. The Tuff Jug is ok but has only 1 handle and not as easy to move spatially. So how is the fuel filtered you ask?? I buy 95 MOGAS at reputable high-volume stations in 20 Litres plastic containers. I then fill the 10 Litre fast fills through large size Mr funnel filter from the 20L containers on the ground away from plane. I then fill wing tanks using the 10L fast fills. The fast fills stand stable so Mr Funnel sits into the filler hole without wobbles. Being well away from my plane lessens risks from possible ignition from static charge as fuel vortexes in funnel. But of course, I use a static earth on funnel to address this risk. I acknowledge the fast fills don’t roll up as compact as the bladder bags but 10/10 for ease of use. I'm never that pushed for space in Savvy and if I had to walk fuel from a distance then fast fill cans are much ergonomically and comfortable handle than a bladder bag. So that's my take on the process. I'll take a smart phone video of me doing the fill next time flying and post here just to illustrate, after all plenty of muppets making YouTubes about any crap so I should be qualified and an equal amongst them! Happy to discuss further, email me on [email protected] and we can exchange contact numbers and talk at length. Happy Refueling and may your sparks be never................. Cheers Matt Walsh, PIC, Savanah 4295

Hi all, I am contemplating flying from Sunbury in Victoria to Alice Springs via Birdsville and inquire if making this journey in late October is practical from a weather aspect. Any knowledge thoughts suggestions gratefully received. Thanks Matt Walsh, Penfield Victoria.

Use a small funnel with length of clear plastic tubing to fit into oil filler orifice. After filling,discard the plastic tube (so no dust issue) wipe out/wash off the funnel and job done. The monkey on wire technique is ok but requires concentration and a steady hand. Above method requires neither!