Engines Fuel and Exhaust Systems

In his section you will find manuals for Rotax Jabiru and HKS. These are provided to help with maintenance or repair questions as they might arise.

The articles below are fairly comprehensive in their detail of engine fuel and exhaust systems but it is still worth mentioning a few important issues.

Fuel and carb vents can be the cause of engine failure due to fuel starvation. This can be due to pressure differences at each end of the vent, especially if one end is a carb vent. Incorrectly fitted vents can also cause siphoning which could ultimately drain the tanks. This has happened and is not a good look inside a hanger and would be most distressing on a country strip with no fuel for the next 100nm. A small vent hole close to the carb can usually solve this problem, if in doubt follow the manufactures instructions.

Fuel starvation due to gummed up fuel filters is also not uncommon, check them .

Aircraft exhaust systems are normally simple and robust but they are still prone to corrosion and cracking the result of this is the possibility of carbon monoxide making its way into the cockpit. This has been the cause of death of many a pilot including microlight pilots. It is important to check the exhaust for cracks or leaks which could ultimately lead to exhaust gas infiltrating into the cockpit. Also check cabin heat and vent systems to ensure there can be no means for air in the engine bay making it's way into the cabin. Of course cabin heat will take air from out side the engine bay and pass it by the exhaust to heat it. This type of heater must be inspected carefully and should never be fitted over any kind of join in the exhaust system check this well.