On Mar 28, 9:48*am, Sean Fidler wrote:
I need advise or recommendations on what solenoid valve's (type, model) would work best for creating a tail ballast dump mechanism. *My glider, unfortunately, did not come with a mechanical release. *My glider is in the shop getting an evacuation vent and break away tail wheel so the time is right to do this. *As part of the current project we are removing the tail battery and adding lead in the boom to reduce the chances of a tail break in a ground loop. *We can also easily use the tail battery wiring to power the solenoid switch.

Anyone have any experience or info to help me? *Thanks in advance. *I need to buy a valve today or tomorrow so pace is key!

Sean Fidler
Lak17a F2
248 977 7911


You may want to consider mechanical solution for valve. The bits used
by S-H would do nicely and it is a proven system.
Dead batteries lead to no dump.
When doing tail wheel, leave a way to inspect the bottom bulkhead area
of the tail tank. That is the first thing to get damaged in a ground
loop. It won't show from the outside, but the water leaking out will
make you want to inspect. You don't want to know how I know all this.
Take your time to do what you need long term.
FWIW
UH