Low Fuel Light

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canned_fire
Airman Basic
Posts: 8
Joined: 26 Aug 2013, 18:03

Low Fuel Light

Post by canned_fire »

First I bought the P-51 and then the P-40. I thought the P-40 would be boring in comparison, but I find it much more fun than the P-51, mainly because everything is more manual.

I think it is a great product and would recommend to anyone. My only complaint is the “low fuel light”. I am sure that in the real airplane it does not work as it is modeled. I tried to find more information about this light but could not in the 3 P-40 manuals I have. My guess is that this light would illuminate when the fuel pressure was low or when the fuel quantity in the reserved tank had reached a certain level (because the reserve tank does not have a quantity indicator), but I don’t know. Perhaps if there is an update to the P-40 you could address this?

PS. I actually like not knowing or having to guess how much fuel is left.

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gulredrel
Master Sergeant
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Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by gulredrel »

I noticed this two, when I started my round the world trip with some longe range flights.
It illuminates, but at a certain overall quantity, which can't be correct.

Maybe someone can explain how it should work and maybe it get's corrected.
"Give me a ping, Vasili. One ping only, please."

ROB - A2A
A2A Colonel
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Joined: 02 Mar 2004, 02:56

Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by ROB - A2A »

This warning light is triggered by the total fuel quantity less than 33 gallons which is the capacity of the reserve fuel tank. The reserve fuel tank should be used for takeoffs and landings only. There is no gauge for this tank but after all the other tanks are empty, pilot switches to the reserve tank and knows how much fuel left. So, practically this warning lamp indicates "low fuel, running on reserve" situation.

regards
ROB
A2A Simulations Inc.

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gulredrel
Master Sergeant
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Joined: 12 Jun 2011, 02:11
Location: Germany

Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by gulredrel »

Hello again,

Aside from not being the correct order of usage, following shots were taken when the warning light has just illuminated. Overall 27 imp. gal in the Tomahawk IIb varaint.

Wing and reserve tank together:
Image

Only wing tank
Image

Reserve and fuselage
Image

Reserve only
Image

Only drop tank, no light!
Image

The warning light circuit is able to calculate overall fuel!? Can't imagine this in an 1930s plane. Especially no internal fuel and the only a droptank. This should trigger the warning light.

Thanks in advance for explaining.
Jens
"Give me a ping, Vasili. One ping only, please."

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Paughco
Senior Master Sergeant
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Joined: 30 Nov 2014, 12:27

Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by Paughco »

Yesterday I flew my P-40B from Half Moon Bay, CA (KHAF) up to her home field in Arlington, WA (KAWO). I took off on the RESERVE tank, and switched to FUSELAGE as soon I got the plane cleaned up and in a stable climb. Once at cruise altitude I just watched the scenery and spent time checking out the cockpit. I selected SHIFT-4 periodically, and noticed that the fuel quantity in the RESERVE tank would gradually increase, which I surmise must be accurate modeling of the fuel return line to that tank. I switched to RESERVE a couple times during the flight just so no fuel would be wasted. Flew at 17,500 feet most of the way over Northern California and Southern Oregon due to clouds and mountains. IAS was about 200 mph, and TAS was about 263 mph - not bad. Dropped down to about 2,000 feet from Salem up to Seattle in effort to get under clouds. Burned through all but about five gallons in the FUSELAGE tank, then used up most of the WING tank, switching back to RESERVE during descent while approaching KAWO. Landed on Runway 29 at KAWO was somewhat dicey due to gusting winds. I was glad to be home with the airplane still in "Excellent shape." Never saw the fuel light during the whole flight.

Main message here is that fuel quantity in the RESERVE tank will gradually increase in the P-40B aircraft due to the fuel return line.

Seeya
ATB
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n421nj
Chief Master Sergeant
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Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by n421nj »

So as long as there is more than 33 gals the fuel light won't be on?
Andrew

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gulredrel
Master Sergeant
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Joined: 12 Jun 2011, 02:11
Location: Germany

Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by gulredrel »

Correct, total amount, independent of the location of the fuel.
But with intended switching of tanks, this will be the reserve.
"Give me a ping, Vasili. One ping only, please."

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gulredrel
Master Sergeant
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Joined: 12 Jun 2011, 02:11
Location: Germany

Re: Low Fuel Light

Post by gulredrel »

digging out an old topic...

So we now have the p3d version. Is the behaviour of the warning light still the same!? So counting on overall fuel quantity less than 33 gal. independent of the amount of fuel in the reserve tank?
"Give me a ping, Vasili. One ping only, please."

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