VariEze header tank

[pacerpilot]

I'm just getting started on the restoration of my "new" Varieze and have a question regarding its header tank. I don't see the tank called out in the plans and was wondering if this is an option the original builder put in or, was there a supplement to the plans available for the tank. I really don't see a need for it, except mabey as a little extra gravity feed pressure for takeoff? Anyhow, does anyone else run with one? I'd like to eliminate it but I'm not sure if I should. It's got a C-75 on it so fuel capacity isn't an issue. There's no fuel pump so do the strake tanks provide adequate flow? I'm joining CSA so I can get as much help as possible but any info on this will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Hercpilot]

I recommend you read the canard pusher newsletters. CP's 11, 15, 16 & 18 address the fuselage tank on the varieze. Those issues specifically address the fuel system change to the original plans and why! The tank is required!

[AaronT]

The CP's are here.... http://www.cozybuilders.org/Canard_Pusher/ (great reading and "must know" info for any new owners).

Yes the header tank is intended to correct a fuel flow issue while in an (extended) nose low attitude (such as a long decent). 

[pacerpilot]

Thanks Guys,
Just to clarify, it's the fuselage tank (behind the passengers head) that I was wondering about. My plane doesn't have a fuel pump so I was trying to figure out how it would stay full but I think it was origninaly intended solely as an auxilliary. My question was inspired by the possibility of a leak in it. However, after reading more I find an actual header tank may be required as you suggest. I've got a C-75 with the NAS-3 carb so it would seem this planes been flying on the edge. Oh well, I'll tackle it after I finish it's new paint job.
Thanks again.

[AaronT]

Yes, the correct term per the CP's is "Fuselage Tank".   CP 11, page 5 has a diagram and details it's use...

"The fuselage tank is filled when the aircraft is fueled -- it has its own cap (same cap as on wings).  The fuel system is operated as follows:  The fuselage tank is normally used only for starting the engine with the nose down.  The wings are selected after the nose is up and the pilot gets in.  If the flight is planned so that the decent is done with less than two gallon in each wing, the pilot selects the fuselage tank for the descent and landing." ... etc...