Forum: F-16 Procedures

Last edited by bealio on Dec 27, 2012 - 07:41 PM; edited 1 time in total

Replacing the refuel/transfer override control valve fixed this problem. Why?

CJ model. Centerline tank only for configuration.

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Roll inverted.
Gravity will empty the CLT into the mains.

You have an inverted flight centerline tank.

Only a few where made, reserved for pilots that could not fly the sunny side up. Smile

Happy Giving Thanks, or was it MastChris Smile

bealio wrote:

Really? 8 years ago, I would have had at least a couple stupid replies! What happened to this place?

Okay, here's my "stupid" reply...contact your AFETS or LM Aero Tech Rep and have them explain it to you. Try to give them a hell of a lot more information than you provided here.

Best Regards,

JoeSambor wrote:

Okay, here's my "stupid" reply...contact your AFETS or LM Aero Tech Rep and have them explain it to you. Try to give them a hell of a lot more information than you provided here.

I was almost going to copy your previous replies for this one, and but I figured since he'd already solved the problem, then it might actually be discussion worthy.

I've heard some funny things involving fuel system glitches occurring before, and the more detailed information, the better. We had Boeing, Northrop & LM Tech reps around the jets, and test pilots flying them, and it took a combined team effort to keep the jets in top condition.

While you were at, did anyone happen to close the aerial refueling door? I was thinking of 78-0078.

tbarlow wrote:

While you were at, did anyone happen to close the aerial refueling door? I was thinking of 78-0078.

The times where a F-16 had "weird" fuel system issues, it was usually traced to a wiring fault. We rarely air refueled the F-16s, as it wasn't needed for chase and aggressor flights.

The one that really created problems & required assistance from Boeing were the F/A-18E/Fs that had trapped fuel in the external tanks, and that was sometimes due to the tanks not being pressurized properly, or the fuel pump not working. We would usually land with the tanks still on the jet, but carrier flying required the tanks jettisoned if fuel was trapped in them. This became less of a problem, once the exact causes identified.

NATOPS recommends using external fuel first, then internal fuel. If there is a fuel transfer problem, carefully check all tanks individually, then land as soon as practical. I would think the F-16 is the pretty much the same in this regard.

JoeSambor wrote:

bealio wrote:

Really? 8 years ago, I would have had at least a couple stupid replies! What happened to this place?

Okay, here's my "stupid" reply...contact your AFETS or LM Aero Tech Rep and have them explain it to you. Try to give them a hell of a lot more information than you provided here.

I did this already. I wasn't satified with the answer and thought i would try this avenue. I could explain the entire system in great detail on here, but I'd rather the question be answered by someone who already knows that the refuel/transfer override control valve shouldn't cause the centerline not to transfer, only to transfer incorrectly. This should be self explanitory to anyone who knows the system, thus filtering out assumptions.

Active Member Joined: Apr 08, 2004 - 10:40 PM Posts: 203

bealio wrote:

I did this already. I wasn't satified with the answer and thought I would try this avenue. I could explain the entire system in great detail on here, but I'd rather the question be answered by someone who already knows that the refuel/transfer override control valve shouldn't cause the centerline not to transfer, only to transfer incorrectly. This should be self explanitory to anyone who knows the system, thus filtering out assumptions.

Please inform me... you can explain the entire system, tell me why the ROCV can not cause this... and if you say contact and AFETs guy I will hunt you down Smile

Really? 8 years ago, I would have had at least a couple stupid replies! What happened to this place?

Ok, have to say this: Did anyone check to see if there was any JP-8 in the tank before the ops check?

If you're talking about the float in the Vent tank, that is what it is there for to stop the tanks from feeding up so the aircraft wont vent fuel overboard. if the float was sticking then it will not let the ext tanks feed up in any condition.

Ok, sorry about last post I now know you talking about a different valve. I have run in to this problem, we had a loose b-nut on the valve(almost off) and it allowed fuel pressure to get in the lines that run to the shuttle valves to keep them in the refuel mode. because the reservoirs where full the C/L tank had no place to go, it will be the same in flight. The aircraft just came back from Depot slick and we where tying to do a leak and transfer at the home unit. (this was on a block 30)

f16fuelguy wrote:

ok, sorry about last post I now know you talking about a different valve. I have run in to this problem, we had a loose b-nut on the valve(almost off) and it allowed fuel pressure to get in the lines that run to the shuttle valves to keep them in the refuel mode. Because the reservoirs where full the C/L tank had no place to go, it will be the same in flight. The aircraft just came back from Depot slick and we where tying to do a leak and transfer at the home unit. (this was on a block 30)

Wouldn't the fuel just transfer into the resevoirs anyways? The fuel would just spill over to the A-1 and F-2.

Tankrat - I don't think the RTOCV would cause the centerline tank not to transfer because to my understanding, the fuel pressure from the tank would push the shuttle valves into refuel mode and just transfer into the reservoir.

Are you nonners done with your christmas break yet or did I stump you guys? Smile

Did you change the Internal V&P? Sometimes it will starve the External V&P and not allow the externals to pressurize.

Quote:

Did you change the Internal V&P? Sometimes it will starve the External V&P and not allow the externals to pressurize.

Dugstars, please read the first post.

Forum: F-16 Procedures

Centerline tank will not transfer on ground or air