Fuel Pressure Gauge

[Billy Matthews]

I need to replace my fuel pressure gauge I am thinking of using the Shadin so that I can take out the old one.

Is there any feed back on the Unit:

Thanks
Billy

[N3322G]

Had a Shadin or it predecessor since the late 1970s - Very happy with it. Talks to the G530W and others stuff and makes it even more useful.

[Billy Matthews]

Thanks Pat I got a quote for under 5K is that a good number?

Billy

[N3322G]

Billy,

Sorry, can't help on the $, we won our first one in an air race and then upgraded thereafter.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Billy,
What model airplane are you flying? For the twin the Shaden is STC'd through JL Osbourn, not from shaden for the direct replacement of the fuel flow guages. For the Singles, I do not know the status of the STC right off the top of my head, but would seriously doubt that it can be applied as a replacement to those aircraft not having factory fuel flow guages, and simple fuel pressure guages (carbureted Comanches primarily). Just some things to make sure of.
-Zach

[Billy Matthews]

Zach,

I fly a 1969 Pa30 it's the best palne I've ever owned

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Can't disagree there...as for the replacement for the mechanical fuel flow (Stock pressure based) you have only one choice and that is the Shaden STC through JL Osbourne. If you have the space, I would suggest you keep the stock guage and add another flow based digital (JPI, EI) to the aircraft. They provide two distinctivly different readouts when things start to go wrong and can be a great trouble shooting tool.
-Zach

[Gus Denovan]

My PA30B fuel pressure gauge sprung a leak halfway across the English Channel last week.
I had fuel dripping from the front of the instrument all over the instrument panel.
It was even dripping over the cigar lighter !
My passenger was calmly mopping it up with a cloth.

I diverted into Guernsey with the friendly fire trucks waiting.
The maintenance guys found a split in the bellows inside the gauge.
They capped off the fuel line feeds to the gauge and took it out for repair.

Meanwhile I am using the JPI EDM 760 with fuel flow.
Is it best to replace / repair the bellows, or the whole instument?
Anyone know a good supplier?

Gus.

[N3322G]

Gus,

So glad to hear you landed safely - passenger deserves kudos as well for being calm and helpful.

You might call Air Parts of Lock Haven http://www.airpartsoflockhaven.com/contact.html as they may overhaul this instrument.

Personally I prefer the Shadin fuel computer http://www.shadin.com/products/fuelflow/index.html which as you can see from the previous postings is certified to act as the primary fuel flow gauge via STC from Osborne http://www.jlosborne.com/index.htm It provides significantly more information.

I'm not sure about UK regulations but I pretty sure that in my Twin a certified fuel flow gauge is required for flight. The version of JPI EDM-760 I have is not certified to replace primary instruments such as fuel flow, CHT etc. so unless the Shadin is working, my twin is grounded. My twin may fly fine but FAA would not consider it airworthy and that of course immediately invalidates the insurance. Thought I'd mention it in case your aviation authority carries the same opinion.

Hope this helps.

[Gus Denovan]

Thanks Pat,
Just glad I don't smoke.
Gus.