Fuel Scan FS 450

[n3437d]

Has anyone out there using a FS 450 experience any problems? I have owned mine for about 5 years. No problem ever until this weekend. Guaranteed full tanks both wings. Short 45 min fight all is going well. On return flight i looked at the FS 450 and noticed it read 25 gal used. I knew this to be incorrect. My typical burn is a low of 7.8 to aroudn 9gph - 8gph is a good average number for safety. at the end of the approx 2 hr flight the guage read 27 gal used - mentally I figured no more than 18. I topped the tanks at 16.1 gal.

Has nayone else experienced this?


Jole
N3437D

[canav8]

Jole, How about a fuel leak after the fuel flow meter? Doug

[n3437d]

Think about your answer. If this were the case when I topped the tanks I would have consumed more fuel than the 16 gal I Did use which is exactly what I figured I had used.

I suspect an internal "glitch" within the unit.

Joel
N3437D

[canav8]

Sorry Joel, I should have responded without distractions at the keyboard. Sorry. Now maybe your fuel flow meter is inop then. D

[KS170A]

I installed one in my 170 last year and it was pretty accurate for the 50 or so hours I flew it. It's been down for a bit now for other airframe repairs & modifications, so I don't have any recent data to go on. There is a K-factor adjustment procedure if you determine there are not any leaks. Your pilot guide provides the procedure for calibrating the unit. Before re-calibrating though, I'd look to see if the discrepancy is consistent between multiple fill-ups.

If some debris got into the flow meter, it could be causing erratic readings. The turbine in the unit needs to be able to spin freely as the fuel flows through it.

[n3437d]

Josh,

Thanks for your post - I have had the 450 in the plane for about 4 years now and never had a problem. I did adjust the K factor a few times shortly after installation. What happened to me a few weeks back probably was a fluke - I had flown about 2+ hrs and knew my burn was about 8gph but when I looked at the instrument is showed a burn of about 25 gal used. I knew I had plenty of fuel because i had done a visual before take off. I'll keep my eye on it over the next few flights.

Joel
N3437D

[jjdv55]

I`m looking into installing the FS450 . Where`s the best location for transducer , and is Aircraft Spruce the best buy .
John ,C-FZMZ , 170A ,

[KS170A]

The instructions included with the STC indicate to install between the carburetor and fuel tank, but goes further to require that flexible fuel hose be used going into and out of the transducer. That leaves the one line between the carb and gascolator. That's where mine is, and I've had no issues with it. Aircraft Spruce is just as good as any, and they claim to have the lowest prices.

[hilltop170]

Check all the wiring connections, loose or corroded connections can make the readings go nuts.

[jjdv55]

Thanks for your response , now the hard part ..find the $'s to purchase....John , C-FZMZ

[mekstrand]

I thought I'd pass this along for those who are interested in adding a fuel flow instrument.

Pacific Coast Avionics has the JPI FS 450(G)on sale for $480. If purchased before 12/31/10 you will also receive a $100 rebate from JPI.

I've got one on the way (cant forget to get the airplane something for Christmas). For $380 you cant go wrong!

Here's a link

http://www.pca.aero/detail/6502/Instrum ... I_FS-450G/

[n3437d]

Geez, I already have one - I wonder if I could install one for each wing tank???

Joel
N3437D