Can I use temperature controller P/N 707 with a 220 Volt system?
No, you will need to use a converter that can supply 3 amps at 120 volts to operate both a SAFE-HEET and 707.
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I installed a new fuel quantity transmitter and the system is still not working. What is wrong?
There are several other components in the fuel indicating system which could be the issue or are causing the indication problems:
- Ensure that your aircraft fuel indicating system utilized Stewart Warner style transmitters.
- Even if your aircraft originally came with that style, there were many Cessna Service Bulletins to replace them with the Rochester style. Our transmitters will not work with those components if they have been changed. This was a very common SB when Cessna switched over to Rochester.
- Transmitter Identification shows the difference in the Rochester style and the original Stewert Warner transmitter.
- McFarlane transmitters and Cessna Stewart Warner transmitters have an electrical resistance range of about 32 ohms when in the full position and 250 ohms in the empty position. This can be measured with an ohm meter connected between the wire terminal and the metal body. Note that the gold dichromate corrosion treatment on the zinc plating is a poor conductor. The metal body must be scratched a little to get a good electrical connection. The Rochester transmitter has a much different resistance pattern than the Stewart Warner or McFarlane transmitter.
- Consult your log books and check the part numbers of the fuel gauges and transmitters. Do not rely on Illustrated Parts Catalog or eligibility.
- With the age of most of the general aviation fleet, the possibility of corrosion in the wires or grounding is very likely. The gauge (indicator) may not be working correctly or properly calibrated.
- Since the transmitter gauge system works with very low voltage and very low milliamp electrical flow it is very sensitive to proper grounding and high resistance in electrical connections. Most problems are related to electrical connections.
- Excess resistance in the transmitter circuit can be detected by measuring the transmitter resistance with the transmitter being installed but without the wire connected at the terminal, and then measuring the resistance at the transmitter wire at the back of the gauge with the transmitter wire connected to the transmitter terminal and the transmitter wire disconnected from the fuel gauge and the other ohm meter connection to a ground at the back of the gauge. The resistance readings should be very close to the first resistance reading. In other words, you are measuring the transmitter resistance first without the airplane circuit and then comparing the reading with the airplane electrical circuit.
- If the preceding wiring check shows good, the problem is likely in the gauge. The fuel gauge has a brass grounding strap that grounds the internal electrical coils to the gauge case. With years of service this grounding strap can develop a thin layer of corrosion that restricts electrical flow. When this happens the gauge will show more fuel than what is in the tank which is not good! Cleaning this ground strap should fix the problem. Refer to the Cessna service manuals for detailed trouble shooting and maintenance information.
Caution! Never short the battery power to the transmitter wire! It will take only seconds before the stainless steel resistance wire in the Cessna transmitter will glow red hot in the fuel tank. The hot wire could explode the tank! Never have power on when trouble shooting the fuel gauging system.
Electricity in the Fuel Tank. Is it Safe?
Always check the fuel gauge system for proper calibration per the Cessna maintenance instructions.
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Can PowerUp aftermarket parts be mixed with Champion Slick parts?
Yes! All of the PowerUp Slick Aftermarket parts have been FAA-approved to be equivalent to or improved than Champion Slick parts. PowerUp’s Aftermarket Slick parts have been in production for 30 years and tens of thousands of our parts have been put into service.
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Why do aircraft need magnetos?
In aircraft engines, it is important to maintain an ignition system independent of the eletrical system, so that the engine will continue to run in the event of alternator or battery malfunction. Additionally, aircraft magnetos provide a compact and reliable means for igniting the spark plugs.
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What is SEB99-18R1 about?
Cessna SEB99-18R1 describes periodic checks of the fuel gauging system.
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Is PROP GUARD the same as the abrasion tape that I see advertised?
PROP GUARD is a very special high strength product manufactured to take the high centrifugal forces of the rotating propeller while being able to absorb impact energy. It goes through special heat treatments and careful quality controls. Only some of the material manufactured will pass our rigid quality standards. PROP GUARD is different.
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What is the difference between the FS1-14 and FS1-14B?
The FS1-14 internal, non-adjustable regulator is set at 13.6+/- .2 volts. This alternator would be used as a back-up to an AL12-EI60 main alternator kit and would come online automatically if system voltage drops below 13.6 volts as in a failure of the main alternator.
The FS1-14B internal, non-adjustable regulator is set at 14.2+/- .2 volts and can be used as a stand-alone alternator system for aircraft wanting the lightest weight and using minimum equipment.
Because both alternators are driven from a slower accessory pad drive, these alternators will not produce output to support load until they reach approximately 2000 engine rpm. Perfect for a back-up system should the main alternator be lost in flight but limited as a stand-alone system as any installed equipment would be running off the battery during taxi and landing configurations.
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Can I use a McFarlane transmitter on a Cessna 152 aircraft?
No, the fuel indicating system on a Cessna 152 is unique and McFarlane has not designed a transmitter for them yet.
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How do I tell the difference between the 12 and 24 volt lamp leads used in the Plane Power warning system?
The 14-1010 14 volt Plane Power lamp has yellow leads. The Plane Power 14-1011 24 volt lamp has purple leads.
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The battery does not seem to charge or hold a charge, why?
If a battery does not seem to charge or perform as well as it once did, it may be for one or more of the following issues:
- There may be a problem with the charging system. While the charging system is in operation, it will begin putting out approximately 13.8 -14.6 volts.
- The vehicle electrical system may have a short circuit or current drain
- The terminals on the battery are not properly tightened
- There may be a problem with the battery itself so if you have verified that it is not a parasitic drain, and the battery is losing power within 1-7 days, then contact EarthX. Do not continue to attempt to charge or use a battery that will not hold a charge as it might indicated cell failure and continued use can cause cell rupture, smoke and even fire.
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How can I determine which oil is qualified for my aircraft engine?
Both Lycoming and Continental recommend oils qualified under the following specifications for use in their engines:
- SAE J-1899 former MIL-L-22851 (for ashless dispersant oils)
- SAE J-1966 former MIL-L-6082 (for straight mineral oils, intended primarily for break-in)
Military and SAE specifications are the same except for some additional packaging requirements for the military. In the future, the military specification may be dropped, although oil containers will still probably refer to the former military specification.
AeroShell® straight mineral oils, AeroShell Oil W single grades and AeroShell Oil W multigrade oils all qualify under their respective specifications. The oil requirements for other aircraft engines such as Pratt & Whitney are less defined. All AeroShell and AeroShell Oil W oils are qualified for use in P&W radial piston engines. The oils for engines no longer in production may be listed by military specification or by product name.
For more information, talk to an overhaul or repair shop that specializes in a particular engine, or call the Shell Technical Information Center at 1-800-231-6950.
The selection of a proper grease is clearly defined. For each grease point on a certified aircraft, the military specification or the qualified product is listed. AeroShell® greases are qualified under the following specifications:
- AeroShell GREASE 5 former MIL-G-3545-C
- AeroShell GREASE 6 MIL-G-24139A, former MIL-G-7711A AeroShell GREASE 7 MIL-PRF-23827C, TYPE II
- AeroShell GREASE 14 MIL-G-25537C
- AeroShell GREASE 16 former MIL-G-25760A, BMS-3-24A AeroShell GREASE 17 MIL-G-21164D
- AeroShell GREASE 22 MIL-PRF-81322F, Grade 2 DOD-G-24508A AeroShell GREASE 33 MIL-PRF-23827, TYPE I BMS-3-33A
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Can Premier parts be painted?
Yes, Premier parts can be painted. They recommend using SEM Color Coat Aerosol Products.
However, any paint that is specifically designed for plastic should work on Premier parts, which are manufactured with a PVC-Acrylic material commonly referred to as KYDEX. Retail stores that sell automotive paint can be helpful with paint choices as most of automobile interiors are made from KYDEX also.
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What procedures should be taken when replacing a failed pump?
- A correctly functioning pump creates a vacuum in the system lines, so when the pump fails (due to wear or from FOD which has entered pump) the carbon rotor and vanes break into very fine pieces which can be sucked back up into the inlet hose. It is very important to remove the inlet and outlet hoses from the aircraft and clean them out thoroughly, making sure to remove all particles. It is imperative to clean the entire system after a pump failure. By doing so you will eliminate the chance of premature failure by your new replacement pump as a result of carbon FOD from a previously failed pump entering your new system.
- After you have installed the new replacement pump, check and make sure the aircraft vacuum system is working properly. A faulty regulator , dirty vacuum pump filter, or a crimped or partially collapsed hose which causes a restriction in the system can force to pump to work harder, causing premature failure.
- If your aircraft engine has high time, go ahead and replace the oil seal in the engine case where the pump mounts. The area could be dry now, but the seal could start leaking in just a few hours causing oil contamination in your vacuum pump, making it inoperable. Less than $10 dollars spent here could save you hundreds of dollars later.
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How long will my battery last?
4-6 years is the average lifespan, however they can last longer depending on how they have been maintained, the quality of the charging system and the enviroment used in.
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I have other high-performance aircraft. Is there an MT prop to fit them also?
YES!! MT manufactures propeller systems for hundreds of applications and they even custom design and build props for experimental and aerobatic planes. Call for more information.
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Why are many 2-blade aluminum props converted to 3-blade composite?
Physics – The lighter mass of the composite system absorbs less horsepower, therefore we can add another blade to use this power to create more thrust.
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Why is a hydraulic shimmy dampener better than a rubber dampener?
A rubber based dampener is continuously fatiguing the rubber components as it changes direction of motion. The rubber system depends on stable friction of the rubber riding in a metal tube. This is very difficult to achieve over extended usage. There are inherent differences in static friction of rubber and dynamic friction of rubber that affect dampening performance. Long term use changes the performance of the dampener caused by all of these un-repairable factors. The hydraulic system works in a film oil with stable performance for long periods of time and it is totally repairable.
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Is there a SAFE-HEET designed to be used with 240 volts?
No, neither a SAFE-HEET nor Temperature Controller should be plugged into 240 volts. You can use a system with an adapter that reduces the voltage to 110 and can supply at least 3 amps.
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Is an overhauled Dry Air Pump as good as a new pump?
We can only speak for Tempest overhauled pumps as we have no control over the quality of other overhaul shops. Before Tempest®/Aero Accessories, LLC offered an overhauled pump, they spent more than a year in research and testing to determine what was required to produce a quality overhauled pump that would last as long as a new pump producing the vacuum or pressure required for aircraft application. In 1984 Tempest®/Aero Accessories, LLC had its overhaul process specification approved by the FAA and began offering quality overhauled vacuum pumps to general aviation. Tempest takes great pride in their state of the art overhaul facility, and produce the best overhauled pump on the market today. Over the years they have acquired FAA-PMA’s for all component parts of the Dry Air Pumps, and have supplied replacement parts to all overhaulers worldwide.
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My LED light is flashing on my ETX680C/680, ETX900, or ETX1200, what does that mean?
Most of the time, it means you need to charge the battery as it is at a low charge level but it could mean several things. First thing you need to do it put a voltmeter on the battery, if the voltage is less than 13.28V, the LED light will flash to let you know to charge the battery. If the voltage is above 13.28V and flashing, then you could have a weak cell /a cell out of balance/or defective cell and you need to contact EarthX for a warranty coverage if it is less than 2 years old. The LED will also flash if the voltage is too high, above 14.6V. If the light is solid and remains on for more than 10 minutes, then it is an indication of a BMS electronics problem and contact EarthX.
LED Light |
Voltage |
Possible Cause |
Recommended Action |
Slow Flashing (5s on/5s off) |
Less than 12.8V |
Battery over-discharged (due to faulty charging system) |
Charge battery. Once charged, the light will stop flashing. |
Slow Flashing (5s on/5s off) |
Less than 13.2V |
Weak or failing cell |
Charge battery. If voltage drops below 13.2V within a few days, discontinue use. |
Slow Flashing (5s on/5s off) (> 1 hour time period) |
13.2V-14.6V |
Weak or failing cell |
Discontinue use. If in flight, this is not an immediate issue unless it is in conjunction with a charging system failure. |
Slow Flashing (5s on/5s off) |
Greater than 15.2V |
Over-charging (due to faulty charging system) |
If in flight, shutoff charging system immediately. Aircraft over-voltage protection is required if alternator charging system is greater than 20 amps (i.e. over voltage crowbar circuit) |
Slow Flashing (5s on/5s off) (< 30 min. time period) |
13.2V – 14.6V |
Cell to cell charge levels are not balanced |
May come on briefly during periods of high current charging until the cells are automatically balanced. Try charging with a plugin charger, like an Optimate Lithium charger. |
Solid Light |
Any voltage |
BMS electronic issue |
Discontinue use. If in flight, this is not an immediate issue unless it is in conjunction with a charging system failure. |
Solid Light that turns off after 3 minutes |
Any voltage |
Short Circuit protection was activated |
Nothing needs to be done. |
Short Flashing (2s on/2s off) |
Any voltage |
High battery temperature (> 65°C / 150°F) |
Let battery cool down prior to cranking or charging. |
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