Retrofit sensor manifold to RV6

Ok - My RV6 is kinda old (1992) - time to give it some real engine instrumentation.

Thinking no reason I can’t install a Vans VA-168 3 port sensor manifold to mount fuel and oil pressure sensors. Doesn’t look like it will care if firewall is on a 6 and not a 14.

Bit confused on hoses though. I have an O-320. Looks like a VA-102 for engine to manifold fuel pressure line but unclear if VA-133 or VA-1119 for oil pressure line?

Anyone done this and can clarify, would be great!

Thanks.

Don't bother with Van's hoses...

Contact Tom @ TSFlightlines and have him make you a set of hoses -- custom length, size, etc.

I mounted all three transducers (MAP, OIL P, FUEL P) to the VA-168, bolted to firewall at the location specified in the OP-27 drawing.

Thanks. I ordered the manifold. Will figure out placement etc. then order hoses.

No reason you can't do the retrofit. Find a good place on the upper firewall to mount the manifold. Be sure to order plugs for the unused ports.. I also had Tom at TS Flightlines make up my FP, OP & MP hoses, highly recommended.

I did my 6 with the 7 parts. No problem except the manifold pressure hose is too short to reach the manifold. I rain the hose up to the engine mount tube and hard-lined it from there.

On my -9A, there is considerable lag between throttle change and manifold pressure indication. No easy way to prove this, but I think it's because with the three sensor manifold on the left side and the manifold connection on the right, the line is too long. A shorter line might have solved that problem.

Restrictor?

Ed_Wischmeyer said:

On my -9A, there is considerable lag between throttle change and manifold pressure indication. No easy way to prove this, but I think it's because with the three sensor manifold on the left side and the manifold connection on the right, the line is too long. A shorter line might have solved that problem.

Click to expand...

Sounds to me more like having a restrictor fitting in the line somewhere, perhaps inadvertently.

Sometimes restrictor fittings are installed to reduce needle "quiver" on MP.

Another option that allows for shorter hoses and eliminates the need to drill mounting holes in the firewall for the manifold:
https://www.showplanes.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=TC-12

As part of a Dynon EMS installation I used these for fuel and oil pressure in conjunction with hoses made by Tom at TS Flightlines.