Fuel gauge visability?

[flyingfool]

I have a '46 11AC Chief. And the mag compass is on the top of the dash.

Being 5'-7" I can not read the fuel gauge while sitting in the cockpit. I swear I'd have to be 8' tall to look at it directly. I'm also not that old (42)but even if I could get a direct view, the writing is so small I'm not sure I could read it from 4' away or however far away my head is from the gauge.

Does anyone else have this same problem?

Has anyone divised a method to read these in flight? I was thinking some sort of magnified mirror on a telescopic stick. I realize this will read backwards but it might solve both problems.

Or does everybody just use time and fuel flow to calculate the fuel remaining and the gauge is just a nice looking decorative ornament?

[WWhunter]

I'm 5'6" so I know of your plight. I felt like I was sitting on the floor of my Champ when I first got it. What I did was use a piece of that 2" pink foam used in house construction and put it under my seat cushion. Now I sit high and the view out is much better. I also purchased Temper foam (not cheap) from Jim Fix and took the old seat foam out and replaced it with the Temper foam. Works for me.
Keith

[Roger Anderson]

I have a '46 11AC Chief. And the mag compass is on the top of the dash.

Being 5'-7" I can not read the fuel gauge while sitting in the cockpit. I swear I'd have to be 8' tall to look at it directly. I'm also not that old (42)but even if I could get a direct view, the writing is so small I'm not sure I could read it from 4' away or however far away my head is from the gauge.

Does anyone else have this same problem?

Has anyone divised a method to read these in flight? I was thinking some sort of magnified mirror on a telescopic stick. I realize this will read backwards but it might solve both problems.

Or does everybody just use time and fuel flow to calculate the fuel remaining and the gauge is just a nice looking decorative ornament?

Well first, I use a stop watch (WalMart, $5) velcroed on my Chief's panel to determine fuel on board. When the tank is full, I know I've got 3 1/2 hrs until the motor stops. I always monitor fuel quanity by time, not the gauge. My A65 burns a very consistant 4.25 gph.

However, I do use the gauge to back up my watch. It bounces alot though, not very accurate generally. I do know when it starts to bounce between 1/4 and Empty, then the motor will quit in 1hr. Additionally, the gauge can be monitored to insure you haven't sprung an undiscovered fuel leak. Reference seeing it. I'm 5'6" With the original magnifier lense in, I couldn't see the numbers at all. I took it out, with only a piece of plain glass over the numbers now.

I'm trying to remember, but I believe there was a smaller hole frame under the magnifier that reduces the opening into which you can see. Anyhow, if so, it's gone. I can now see the numbers bouncing around just fine...although they are obviously smaller. I have no trouble seeing and using it though.

Those gauges do tend to leak around the edge easily, especially after you mess with them. I cut me a new piece of fuel proof gasket material when I was working with it and finally got it to stop seeping. I imagine you are aware that that gauge came of of a model A Ford. The cork float in the gas cap, as many Champs have, is about the only good reliable gas gauge I'm aware of.

roger

[flyingfool]

Where might I find and how expensive are those cork float/wire gauge?

Are the Champ and Chief main fuel tank identical?

[Roger Anderson]

Where might I find and how expensive are those cork float/wire gauge?

Are the Champ and Chief main fuel tank identical?

Actually, I'm guessing that most are home made. My dad, before he died, made one for my Chief using a matching gas cap I got at an auto parts store. However, after messing around with the original fuel gauge, I was happy with it instead. Also, if you use a wire float type gauge, you'll have to remove the float that is already inside the Chief tank, the one that makes the original gauge work. They interfer with each other. It would be hard to have both without some modifications. Oh...and the Chief tank is 2 gallons larger than a Champ tank. I'm not sure about the shapes.

[joea]

Another person who times their flights. 4.5 gallons per hour on my C85.

[pablo]

The most reliable fuel calculation is engine time by tachochemeter reading. Write it down every time you fill your tank. My Champ has the floating cork wire: it is a great conversation piece!
Pablo

[Ed Clark]

Flying Fool,

I have the gas cap/wire float fuel guage. My old one was worn out so I replaced it with one offered by Wag-Aero p/n M-133-000, currently $69.50.

The wire is way longer than needed, so I cut it down to fit better. The cap is black, so I spray painted it Red to make my IA happy. I graduated it by propping the tail up so the plane was level. Using a file, I cut a groove for empty and then added fuel 2 gallons at a time marking each with a groove.

In the past I have tried painting or nail polish to highlight the markings but that chips off and ends up in the fuel tank and eventually ends up coming out when I sump it. So I no longer do that, the grooves are visible enough for me.

Good luck.