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Refilling TKS

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2022 10:54 pm
by janders
I just ordered some of the approved tks fluids from sporty’s since my FBO didn’t have the one mentioned in the AFM.

Now, I’m faced with how to get a 5 gallon bucket weighing 45+ lbs above my head to refill the tank… any advice?

Also, do you always use the approved fluids or does any fluid from the FBO just work?
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Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2022 11:03 pm
by UTMark
We use a “fluid transfer pump” that you can pickup at any auto parts store.

Something like this: https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and- ... 500025_0_0

This is the fluid we get at just about every FBO we’ve been to…

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Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2022 12:39 am
by CFIDave
I've always ordered TKS fluid from these guys:
https://store.dwdavies.com/content/tks-fluid

They will ship multiple container sizes, but I get it in shipped from them in a single box containing multiple 1 gal plastic jugs to avoid hazmat shipping charges. 1 gallon containers (like plastic milk jugs) are very easy to handle and pour into the plane's TKS fluid reservoir.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2022 12:47 am
by Bryce
Check out tksfluid.com. I always buy orders of 5 gallon jugs with free shipping. I believe they're still the cheapest retailer of TKS fluid out there. Please someone tell me if I'm wrong. I think they still do 2 x 2.5 gallon jugs. I have been refilling my old 2.5 gallon jugs to travel with if needed on my journey.

Bryce

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2022 10:57 pm
by Colin
DW Davies was 26.50 per gallon with shipping for me, tksfluid.com was $27 with shipping (since shipping was free). The DW Davies will come in one gallon jugs which might be marginally easier to deal with.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2022 5:27 pm
by NDCDA62
Like Dave, I purchase 10 litre TKS containers and pour the TKS into a 2 litre jug which is then transferred using a small funnel into the TKS tank. Very easy and no spillage.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2022 5:33 pm
by Bryce
Good to know, I never even looked at the 1 gallon jugs. I'll have to consider that for my next order in February.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2022 11:47 pm
by photoSteveZ
I open one of the 10 liter containers and set it on a microfiber cloth on top of the fuselage above the TKS fill port. I've got a cheap, plastic siphon with a squeeze bulb primer to start the transfer; then gravity does the rest, and I don't have to hold a heavy jug over my head. I also carry 10 liters with me in the cabin behind the third row seats: it helps with the CG and makes it less likely I'll have to pay FBO prices for fluid while I'm away from my home airfield on a trip. I carry the siphon with me in the left side nose compartment, along with other lightweight travel gear: canopy cover, cleaning supplies, etc.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 12:09 am
by neema
We bit the bullet and bought a 55 gallon barrel and keep it in the hangar. Needed to also buy a $40 plastic hand-pump that slides into the barrel and use a 1 gallon Crystal Springs water bottle that has a little handle by the spout to transfer it into the plane. I just pour it straight in.

I drew skulls and wrote "death!" and "poison!" all over the water bottle so no one drinks out of it.

Thought it was a little overkill at first, but... we're on our second barrel (and we fly almost exclusively in sunny California!)

Much better pricing, no TKS anxiety, plenty of shelf life. Get a barrel unless you seldom find yourself in bad weather.

Re: Refilling TKS

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:25 pm
by Ifly
I only buy 10 liters containers.

When one is empty, I fill half of it with a new one, so I get 2 containers with 5 liters. (I proceed that on the floor)

And with a 5 liters container, I can hold it easily and fill the tank with a funnel. Only then I can through the empty container.

I just had troubles the first time, when I had to use a new complete container ! :-)