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Permalink Reply by Jim Davis on March 11, 2017 at 5:10pm

I just found that info today and was researching it when I found your post here.  I'm waiting for my 650 wing kits to be ready for pickup and I'm planning the Viking 130 engine. 

I'm thinking I'll use Viking's in tank pumps with no header tank. I'll run a line from each tank through a check valve (even though the pumps are supposed to have a check valve too). The line from each check valve will then T into a line to the engine. 

I don't see the need for a selector valve or gascolator. To shut off fuel from one tank you simply turn off that pump.

Operationally I'd run both pumps continuously to feed from both tanks. If an imbalance develops then shut off the pump for the side with less fuel.

What do you think?

I might even be able to get Zenith to install(weld) the bracket inside the tank during the kit production???

- Jim

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Permalink Reply by Glenn Davis on March 11, 2017 at 9:58pm

Hi Jim,

If my wings weren't already built I might be right there with you. I'm guessing you would install the pump horizontally located where the outlet nipple is welded on?  Would there be enough room to install the float sender that comes with the kit as well? How much unusable fuel do you think you would have?

And if I understand the system correctly you would not need a fuel return line. 

I would be concerned about a scenario where in the future the pump fails and you are unable to get a replacement that will fit the bracket.

I agree there would be no need for the selector valve and I think Viking does not recommend installing the gascolator but there is some debate on the need for one on a F.I. engine.

I would like to use the Viking fuel system but cannot figure out where to locate the header tank.

Good luck on your build!

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Permalink Reply by Jim Davis on March 11, 2017 at 10:25pm

Hmmm, you bring up some good points. Since I don't have my wing/fuel kit yet I don't have any specifics so maybe a "through the tank" install won't work for the 650. I'm not sure if laying it horizontal would work.

  In your case, is there room to mount the header on the firewall behind the engine? The normal pump brings the fuel up from the fuel selector valve and then T's into two headers with the HP pumps?

  I also notice on his site that "coming soon" is "Mini low wing Header tank with two pumps and hardware".

Maybe that will answer all our questions?

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Permalink Reply by Glenn Davis on March 12, 2017 at 7:47am

I'm not sure if there is room on the firewall or not, the ideal location is around the seat area so the tank could be gravity fed. They will need to hurry with the low wing tank. I hope to have the fuselage finished next month,I have an engine coming in May!

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Permalink Reply by Jim Davis on March 12, 2017 at 7:50am

Yeah, makes sense! I'm excited for you with your engine coming next month! Which engine?

It's probably worth a call over to Viking. Maybe it's for sale now but they just don't have the website updated.

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Permalink Reply by Glenn Davis on March 12, 2017 at 9:25am

Same engine as you,the 130. It's priced now at 9995.00 which is 2k off regular price.  My advice would be to wait until a couple of months before you are ready to install before you buy. That way you know you have the latest and greatest! I have followed his engines for awhile and he seems to be continuously tweaking and improving them.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Davis on March 12, 2017 at 11:15am

Good advice thanks. Can't wait to hear about your experience with it.Too bad you're not nearby. I'd love to help.

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Permalink Reply by Dale Courtney on March 13, 2017 at 11:35am

One potential problem I see with using the pumps in the wing tanks will be the amount of unusable fuel you may have. I may be wrong but I would think you would have a larger amount of unusable fuel since the pumps will have a hard issue in pulling fuel out of the tank when it starts getting low. Something to look into.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Davis on March 13, 2017 at 11:41am

I agree. I doubt if the in tank pumps will be good for the 650. I think the "coming soon" mini header tank with dual pumps will be the good solution.

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