Kitfox STi Build Update 23 : Hoses

[@AircraftSpecialty]

We would love the opportunity to work with you on your aircraft build. As one quick note of clarification, the majority of hoses we build are custom assemblies for individual builders. We have drop in kits for Vans, Zenith, Rans, and now Kitfox builders. We also do OEM work for Rans, Zenith, and Aircraft Spruce.

[@7KiloFox]

Anther note from Steve: "The hoses have a 10 year warranty but are LIFETIME hoses. So the good news is you don't have to replace any of them at 10 years. I would recommend replacing the firewall forward portion at engine overhaul just because it is a good time to refresh them all..but if that takes 25 years, you are good to go!!!!"

[@TomMcCaa]

I ve been following this video on hoses. How do you purge oil system with an oil thermostat i the system... Tom

[@briand3837]

A very nice system, Kudos. You have put a great deal of effort into safety, however at 6:54 in the video the fuel line is an exposed run of aluminum. If I recall from my years as an A&P firewall forward fuel lines should be steel fittings, lines and fire sleeve protected. In a fire that aluminum will be toast and so will you. Plus the issue with heat soaking the fuel and possible vapor lock? Just a thought to increase your level of safety. Also at 4:58 I would be worried about that short run of aluminum tubing attached to your fuel line, I am sure you will be supporting it some how. If not I would be concerned about fatigue fracture in the bend. Is there a gascolator anywhere in your system?

[@brandonromo6265]

Would you ever consider making a video of your full build cost when ever you are done? I want to build one so bad but the numbers are all over the place, I’m assuming 75k somewhere in there. Also how hard is is to manage deliveries and orders from kitfox? Are they pretty reliable and fast at shipping, and how does shipping work? Is it paid by them or do you pay shipping for every part you order? So many questions, love the Chanel it’s been super informative! Keep it up!

[@7KiloFox]

Find me on Instagram and I'll tell you all about it

[@TheJasonmurphy2005]

75 would probably be a good average. Someone who is thrifty and resourceful could finish one for significantly less.

[@doglipdoug]

Hi Roger. I'm in communication with Steve about ordering a complete hose kit as I'm also installing the 912is. Is there anything you would change if you were ordering again. (ie) length of hoses etc or fittings. Thanks.

[@7KiloFox]

No complaints, it's a fantastic set of hoses. Definitely worth the investment. And Steve is great to work with! His brake hoses are the bomb too. The only thing I would explore in the future is getting him to build hoses for the runs from the tanks to the header. That is a more difficult task that would be easier to handle before the tanks get glued in.

[@Bufertss]

Did you say the airframe/engine is good for 10 years? I haven’t heard that before and curious if you can expand on that?

[@fillywinks]

I was just about to ask

[@7KiloFox]

The hoses are good for 10 years or the life of the engine. Whichever comes first. If you swap your engine out in 5 years it's a good idea to replace hoses. Talk to Steve though. I'm not the expert here.

[@AircraftSpecialty]

@@7KiloFox All our hose assemblies come with a 10 year warranty, but they are considered "lifetime" hoses. In other words, there is no mandatory replacement interval. Unless the hoses are damaged, they have a virtually indefinite life. We do recommend that firewall forward hoses be replaced at engine overhaul as good practice, but for most of us builders that is 20-25 years.