PA28 Fuel Gauge - Where to buy one?

[Morgo]

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!

[LowNSlow]

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.

[bluskis]

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.

[Reichman]

I hear there's a couple of fuel gauges in a crashed Seneca that were never used. One of those should fit a PA28.

[Morgo]

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?!

[Genghis the Engineer]

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

[Morgo]

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.

That would be most appreciated! Thanks

[Genghis the Engineer]

A pleasure, if I've not posted anything by late Saturday give me a prod - I've probably forgotten.

G

[Chilli Monster]

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

[Morgo]

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

[Chilli Monster]

On its way shortly