Fuel system, schematic diagram:
Fuel tanks:
Fuel is carried in four tanks, two in each wing:
- Main tank (front) each - 202 U.S. galls.
- Auxiliary tank (rear) each 200 U.S. galls.
- Total each side: 402 U.S. galls.
Fuel cocks:
Each engine is fitted with a separate five-position selector cock, controlling the fuel supply from the wing tanks. These cocks are monuted on either side of the control pedestal and are marked OFF, LEFT, AUX., LEFT MAIN, RIGHT MAIN, and RIGHT AUX.
Notes:
The VSKYLABS fuel system allows to feed each engine from any of the four tanks, directly (identical to real-world C-47 operation).
When feeding each engine from the Aux tanks (from the same side or opposite sides), the Aux tank with the higher remaining fuel quantity will feed both engines, until both Aux tanks are equal. Then, both tanks will feed both engines.
Fuel booster pumps:
Two electrically driven fuel booster pumps are fitted. They are controlled by switches mounted on the RH overhead electrical panel. These pumps which delivered pressure of 17 lb./sq/in. may be left ON at all times when the engines are running, but in any case they should be ON for starting, take-off and landing, when climbing and at any time when the fuel pressure begins to fall. The booster pumps must never be switched to ON when the engines are not running, unless the mixture control is in the IDLE CUT-OFF position.
In a normal engine starting procedure, the booster pumps are set to ON while the mixture is set to IDLE-CUT OFF, then, while cranking the starter, the mixture is advanced to the manual rich. If the booster pumps are set to ON while the engines are not running and while the mixtures are not in the IDLE-CUT OFF position, it will flood up the engine cylinders.
Fuel Contents gauge:
The fuel contents gauge is fitted on the RH side of the instrument panel. To read the contents of any wing fuel tank, switch the fuel selector to the appropriate tank by interacting with the touch-zone as follows:
Fuel pressure gauge:
A dual reading fuel pressure gauge is mounted on the central-lower portion of the instrument panel.
Oil System:
Oil is supplied from a separate tank mounted in each engine nacelle. The capacity of each tank is 29 U.S. gallons of oil. Oil pressure is maintained by two engine-driven oil pumps, one on each engine. The oil from the engine returns to the tank through a free-flow type oil cooler. The quantity of air flowing through the cooler is automatically regulated by thermostatic control. An oil dilution system is provided for dilution of the engine oul when a cols weather start is anticipated.
Note: In the current version of the VSKYLABS DC-3 the oil dilution system is inoperative. Oil is diluted in cold weather by default.
