Fuel smell

[888flyer888]

Hi



My 3k Eurofox (built from a 2012 kit by previous owner) has developed a fuel smell in the cockpit whenever it has been parked for a couple of days. The smell soon dissipates once the doors are opened in the fresh air. I have had the seats out several times to try and trace the source - but everything appears bone dry.



Recently, after flying and switching off, I noticed air bubbles periodically travelling up the clear fuel return pipe on the left hand cockpit wall behind the pilot's shoulder position. Which makes me think that there is perhaps a leak on that line.





Can anyone identify the bare metal item on the fuel return hose in my picture? I suspect that it is an early version of the non-return valve? According to the manual there is a non return valve in this line, but the one in the parts list looks nothing like this object.

[Jim]

That is a one way valve on the fuel return line in your picture. It’s to prevent fuel from running back toward the engine after shut down.

The fuel smell is very common. It’s coming from the fuel shutoffs. Could be from one or all three. It’s the nature of that style of valve being used. Typically, there’s no visible fuel leak...just the noticeable fuel smell.

[888flyer888]

Hi Jim
Thanks for the info - never thought of the taps!

I guess you just swap them out? I assume nobody has found a better replacement?

To be fair, mine were about five years old when I started noticing the smell.

Thanks

[Jim]

You could reach out to Aerotrek for replacement valves. Not sure you could simply swap them out with a different brand/style without approval from Aerotrek unless yours is Experimental.

[thecurtster]

I’m noticing a similar strong gas smell in my new to me 2014 A220. As much as I could, I got my nose right up to the fuel shut offs, and it does seem to be stronger near the single SOV near the pilot’s left knee. It’s an irritation, but only when I open the plane after being closed up overnight. Not at all noticeable in flight.

Curt

[Jim]

Curt,

Same here. I open the door as I’m pulling the plane out of the hangar. By the time I’m ready to crawl inside, the fuel smell is gone. I’ve never noticed any fuel smell inflight.

[skypilot007]

Fd ourselves w/ a bad feeling, smelling fuel suddenly, whilst flopping about like a fish over the rugged roadless mtns of baja ... upon landing, concluded w/ enough turbulence, the fuel can exit the vents!
Also sinking floats will create overflow & odors ... I suggest any fuel smells get checked out.

[888flyer888]

I should have updated this. I changed all three fuel taps (SOVs) and most of the fuel hoses in the cabin. Then found the carpets and upholstery was impregnated with the fuel smell - so deep cleaned these. And the fuel smell carried on... I now notice that if I park the a/c for a few days with the fuel valve open, I get a small spill of fuel on the ground under the vent pipes on the right side of the firewall. I have also swapped out the one-way return valve - to no avail.