Fuel regulator

Model Airplane News, Jan 2005 by Stroup, Mike

Iron Bay Model Co.

Fuel when and where you need it

The Iron Bay fuel regulator may be the perfect solution to providing a consistent fuel flow to your engine. This system uses muffler or crankcase pressure through a one-way check valve to maintain a constant fuel supply, regardless of aircraft orientation.

This unit uses a Schrader-type valve along with a diaphragm that only permits the fuel to pass through during the low-pressure cycle within the carburetor. The regulator senses the suction through the carburetor and opens the valve, thus allowing the pressurized fuel to pass through. Many 4-stroke engines already have a crankcase vent fitting that can be used; to use the regulator with a 2-stroke, you'll need to install a pressure tap. Many engines have a solid boss on one of the backplate mounting screw bosses; you can drill through this into the case.

My test installation consisted of an O.S. 1.60 FX with a Bisson Pitts-style muffler and a fuel tank on the model's CG. I made a simple aluminum bracket and installed the regulator with the valve axis parallel to the crankshaft and didn't experience any sensitivity during high-G maneuvers.

To start the engine with the fuel regulator installed, I fully open the throttle and put the starter to the spinner for 2 or 3 seconds. I then close the carburetor to idle, place the glow igniter on the plug and flip the prop backward; the engine starts running at idle every time. The Iron Bay fuel regulator costs $44 plus $7 S&H.

-Mike Stroup

Iron Bay Model Co. (304) 232-7511; ironbaymodelcompany.com.

AT MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS, we not only tell you what's new, but we also try it out first so we can bring you mini-reviews of the stuff we like best. Manufacturers frequently send us their latest support equipment, and if we think a product is good-something special that will make your modelling experiences a little easier or just plain more fun-we'll let you know here. From retracts and hinges to glow starters and videotapes, look for it in "Product Watch."