How do I set up for diesel?

fit90 Wed Mar 09, 2016 11:24 am

I will probably start building a plane for a diesel engine in the next month or so and need to know what I need to do differently for diesel. Do I need diesel fuel line, and how about a tank or anything else. I am a complete beginner with diesels and any help is greatly appreciated.

THanks guys,

Bob

pkrankow Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:32 pm

Tygon. Go to your local small engine repair shop (lawn mowers and weed eaters) and get Tygon tubing. The real stuff is softer and lasts better than the generic stuff. Either way you should be able to buy a few feet for not much money.

The downside is it hardens up quickly in service compared to new. The generic is worse than the brand name. As long as it is not disturbed it can be used for years without a problem.

If you run gasoline, ether/kerosene, or glow fuel Tygon tubing is acceptable.

The fuel tank will also need to be made from materials that are safe for the fuel. Plastic tanks for glow fuel need the other type of plug put in. The polyethylene that they are made from is fine. (I wonder about polyethylene tubing now, 120F max temp might be a problem vs 165F for Tygon) Metal tanks are fine.

Phil

fit90 Wed Mar 09, 2016 3:18 pm

Thank you Phil. I appreciate that.

Surfer_kris Thu Mar 10, 2016 7:04 am

Neoprene fuel tubing also works, it is not transparent but it is a little softer and works better than Tygon inside the tank (especially for small engines/tanks).

gcb Thu Mar 10, 2016 8:43 am

You have some "what's", now for the why...Diesel fuel causes silicone to swell. It also causes some tubing to harden. All in all, Tygon or Neoprene are best for diesel fuel. I understand Buna-N is also good with diesel fuel but I have not tried it. BTW, don't forget the fueling device you are using. I ruined a couple of fuel bulbs before I was aware...they kind of melted. If you use a fuel syringe make sure it does not have a silicone seal. If it does, replace it.

Just remember to replace ALL plastic tubing.

Good luck with your diesel.

George

fit90 Thu Mar 10, 2016 10:02 am

Any ideas on where to get replacement "stoppers" for fuel tanks? I typically use hard plastic tanks bu dubro, sullivan etc.

pkrankow Thu Mar 10, 2016 12:20 pm

My local hobby shop stocks some, they are sold separate from the tank.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0097p?CATEGORY=&MANUFACTURER=DUB&FVSEARCH=GASOLINE

Phil

gcb Thu Mar 10, 2016 6:01 pm

Since you are new to diesels I would also suggest that you use commercial model diesel fuel so you can eliminate one unknown...have you mixed the fuel correctly?

A couple of suggested places for diesel stuff are:

1. Eric Clutton (AKA Dr. Diesel) for all things diesel (fuel, engines, plans, tubing, etc.). You can call him and he ships.

2. DDD (Davis Diesel Development) great diesel products, but find a hobby shop that carries them or will order them. His shipping charges are pretty pricey. He has an online catalog so you know what is available.

There are other places if you look online.

George

fit90 Thu Mar 10, 2016 7:07 pm

Phil,

Thank you again for the lead. I appreciate that greatly.

George,

Thank you again for he leads. I have been using Davis Diesel Development fuel. I ordered two quarts. I got to talk to Bob Davis. He is extremely helpful and just an over all nice guy. I had the fuel in just a day or two.

Thanks guys,

Bob

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