PA28 Fuel Gauge - Where to buy one?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Question](https://www.pprune.org/images/infopop/icons/icon5.gif)
I'm currently 3/4 of the way through my PPL, training in a PA28, and thought it was about time I bought a fuel gauge for it.
At Stapleford and Kemble the clubs use similar wooden fuel gauges with various fuel quantity states carved into it. I have searched everywhere on the 'net and several aviation shops but have not been able to locate one to purchase.
I have managed to buy a universal fuel gauge, where I hoped it would come with a chart to translate into a PA28 fuel level, however I found that I needed to calibrate it myself. As I don't really have the ability/opportunity to start with a near empty tank and then fill up with precise steps in fuel quantity it's near useless to me!
If someone could indicate where I can get my hands on a pre-calibrated PA28 fuel guage stick then I would be most grateful. If anyone has one going spare then I'll be willing to part with some cash for it! :-)
Cheers!
At Stapleford and Kemble the clubs use similar wooden fuel gauges with various fuel quantity states carved into it. I have searched everywhere on the 'net and several aviation shops but have not been able to locate one to purchase.
I have managed to buy a universal fuel gauge, where I hoped it would come with a chart to translate into a PA28 fuel level, however I found that I needed to calibrate it myself. As I don't really have the ability/opportunity to start with a near empty tank and then fill up with precise steps in fuel quantity it's near useless to me!
If someone could indicate where I can get my hands on a pre-calibrated PA28 fuel guage stick then I would be most grateful. If anyone has one going spare then I'll be willing to part with some cash for it! :-)
Cheers!
![Morgo is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Ask the CFI if one of his chaps or chapesses can do it for you. Alternatively, hang around the club and when a PA-28 is going for some juice, ask if you can accompany it. When you explain why, hopefully, they will appreciate your safety sense and help you out.
![LowNSlow is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: europe
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will need a spirit level to make sure of the angle the wings are at, and a compensation chart for the normal dihedral angle, and a method of ensuring the dipstick is pointing straight down.
If my fingers cant touch fuel, I haven't got enough to take off.
If my fingers cant touch fuel, I haven't got enough to take off.
![bluskis is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the tips! Was hoping that I would not have to get my hands dirty (not that I'm afraid of doing so), but I guess to do it myself would ensure some confidence in the measurement given by the stick.
I have seen that there are pre-calibrated sticks for Cessnas, so why not for the PA28s?!
I have seen that there are pre-calibrated sticks for Cessnas, so why not for the PA28s?!
![Morgo is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
I have a PA28 with a calibrated dipstick, done by our syndicate and sufficiently accurate for most purposes. (In our case, it's a sawn-off broom handle with the levels engraved in - but it works just as well).
The wings vary slightly between PA28s, ours is a PA28-161 (Warrior II). If yours uses the same wing type they should be compatible, let me know and I'll stick a ruler on it when I next fly, which is the end of the week. If I post the measurements on here, you and anybody else should be able to copy them and mark your own up from there either using a previously uncalibrated broomhandle, or a universal device.
G
The wings vary slightly between PA28s, ours is a PA28-161 (Warrior II). If yours uses the same wing type they should be compatible, let me know and I'll stick a ruler on it when I next fly, which is the end of the week. If I post the measurements on here, you and anybody else should be able to copy them and mark your own up from there either using a previously uncalibrated broomhandle, or a universal device.
G
![Genghis the Engineer is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The wings vary slightly between PA28s, ours is a PA28-161 (Warrior II). If yours uses the same wing type they should be compatible, let me know and I'll stick a ruler on it when I next fly, which is the end of the week. If I post the measurements on here, you and anybody else should be able to copy them and mark your own up from there either using a previously uncalibrated broomhandle, or a universal device.
![Smilie](https://www.pprune.org/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Morgo is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Morgo
I have a universal fuel gauge (the see through tube type as sold by transair - I take it this is what you're referring to) as well AND I've done a calibration for it on a PA28-161 Warrior II. If this is what you're flying and you (or anyone else) want a copy of the fuel figures for it drop me a PM and I'll send them to you.
CM
I have a universal fuel gauge (the see through tube type as sold by transair - I take it this is what you're referring to) as well AND I've done a calibration for it on a PA28-161 Warrior II. If this is what you're flying and you (or anyone else) want a copy of the fuel figures for it drop me a PM and I'll send them to you.
CM
![Chilli Monster is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chilli Monster - I tried sending a PM but your mailbox is full!! If you could PM me the calibration information (I have the same bit of plastic!) it would be very welcome.
Thanks
Thanks
![Morgo is offline](https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)