Fuel system cleaning and preventative maintenance

[wheelwhores 107]

Hey guys!

 

Another quick question that will end up being long.  I'm base-lining my C175 this summer and one thing i'm going is cleaning out the fuel system and running non-oxy gas moving forward.  I usually just pull the carb fuel line and run sacraficial gas through it after giving the fuel tank a good interior scrub, then adding an in-line fuel filter.  Any other steps you guys like to perform?  My C175 is a good start, but if it sits for more than a few weeks it usually needs a little toot of starting fluid to get it to fire the first time.

[ebinmaine 70,944]

It's good that you're going to be using non ethanol fuel. 

Some things that come to mind.

 

Replace all of your fuel line. I've switched over to using see through stuff.

 

Best to stop using starting fluid all together unless strictly for diagnostic purposes like if you're trying to see if a New 2 you engine will fire at all.

 

If you have an engine and fuel system that consistently need starting fluid, it needs repair.

Perhaps consider adding a boat type squeeze bubble primer in line.

 

 

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

15 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I 

Perhaps consider adding a boat type squeeze bubble primer in line.

 

 

Or,maybe go the route others here have and install an electric fuel pump.I keep threating my hard starting Horses that if they don't straighten up and fly right,they're going to get an electric pump.Just haven't had the ambition yet.

[wheelwhores 107]

what is the down side of the starting fluid...just curious?

[ebinmaine 70,944]

In a diesel engine it ignites too quickly and can damage the engine even in small doses.

 

For a gas engine, it isn't as dangerous but the general consensus is that it washes the engine parts TOO CLEAN.

 

You lose that microscopic film of oil that rides between the Piston skirt and the combustion wall.

 

Here's an article from Amsoil that does a far better job of explaining it than I could.

 

 

https://blog.amsoil.com/is-starting-fluid-bad-for-gas-engines/

[wheelwhores 107]

the more you know

[oliver2-44 10,397]

If your C175 has the fuel tank under the rear seat, a squeeze bulb primer or an electric fuel pump could solve your starting problem. But there all alittle different. 

I have a 312-8 with tank under the seat, starts right up all the time

I hace a C-81 with tank under seat, that cranks forever to start. Sometimes won't start if tank is less than 3/4 full. 

The plastic fuel pump was nasty when I got it, and I disassemble and kleaned it, but didn't put any new parts in it.

I just got a Facet brand electric pump to put on it. 

[oldlineman 1,495]

I purchased a Facet pump for my 1989 414-8 was the best investment I have made. Instant start every time! 

[953 nut 58,164]

18 hours ago, wheelwhores said:

My C175 is a good start, but if it sits for more than a few weeks it usually needs a little toot of starting fluid to get it to fire the first time

The fuel pump on your engine is located on the top so if it is the slightest bit weak it will struggle to lift the fuel from the tank. You can get a rebuild kit from Then and Now  http://www.then-now-auto.com/kohler-fuel-pumps-2/ or go the electric pump route. If you use an electric pump be sure to mount it low on the frame.

[wheelwhores 107]

we're mounting low to allow gravity to move gas to the pump impeller correct?  i may just try the bulb idea first, simple is better imo.