On Fri, 14 Oct 2005 13:28:51 -0700, Scott Moore
wrote:

Yes, this is a stupid question, and somewhat off topic for IFR.

But I get better answers here than elsewhere.

Question:

Why is it that devices to separate water from fuel are quite
common cars (my F-350 truck has one), but such a device, which
could save lives in an airplane, is not offered for airplanes ?
Even as a retrofit ?

I wasn't aware that there are any airplanes without water separators.

My Cherokee has quick drains on each tank and each fuel manifold to
check and drain any accumulated water. Checking for water is a
preflight item. Before the fuel enters the carburetor it goes through
a gascolator to separate dirt and water, which can also be tested with
a quick drain. And of course the last chance is the carburetor bowl
itself, which no one ever seems to check at annual, no matter how much
I insist, but there's a drain plug nevertheless.

Most other airplanes I've looked at seem similarly equipped. I believe
the thesis for this topic is flawed.

I never bother checking for water in the fuel on my car. There's no
provision for checking the car for water anyway without disassembling
stuff.

RK Henry